Snakes become more active during the summer and Table Mountain National Park is home to around 22 snake species, 10 of which are non-venomous, although they can still deliver a nasty bite if provoked and four of the venomous species include the Cape Cobra, the Puff Adder, Boomslang, and Berg Adder.
As temperatures start to soar, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) urges hikers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of snakes becoming more active, with human and snake encounters more likely to occur.
In a statement, TMNP says there are 22 snake species around the TMNP areas, of which 10 are non-venomous.
“Snakes become more active and TMNP is home to around 22 snake species, 10 of which are non-venomous, although they can still deliver a nasty bite if provoked and four of the venomous species include the Cape Cobra, the Puff Adder, Boomslang, and Berg Adder.”
The good news, however, is that snakes are mostly likely to shy away from human contact except the Puff Adder.
“The one you are most likely to encounter is the Puff Adder which moves at a leisurely pace and enjoys nice warm spots, such as rocks and pathways.
“As you hike keep your eyes peeled for the animals that call TMNP home. Be vigilant and exercise caution while enjoying outdoor activities.”
Meanwhile, the founder of Deep South Reptile Rescue, Steve Meighan, says there have been 10 snake bite incidents in the south since the beginning of spring.
“Since temperatures have been warming up there have been 10 snake bite incidents, of which nine were canines in the South.
“In one incident, a Puff Adder had bitten a Rottweiler and after that incident, I was called out to collect a Cape Cobra at a building site, which was concerning because they move a lot quicker.”
Meighan says while there had been an anti-venom crisis earlier this year, all the main vets and hospitals have been fully stocked from the beginning of “snake bite season”.
“All the vets in the valley have anti-venom. The only dog to pass away from a snake bite recently was an older nine-year-old dog that was bitten by a Puff Adder in the morning and by the time his owners came home and discovered him, he was already too swollen and far gone.
“Because of its age and other ailments he had, they found it was best to, unfortunately, euthanise him.”
He further explained that rescue calls had not increased compared to the same period last year.
His advice to residents who encounter a snake on their property is to keep all animals away and to keep a distance of at least two to five metres.
“If the snake is inside a room, clear the room of pets and people and close the windows and door to contain the snake.”
According to Meighan, he is most commonly called out to Puff Adder rescues in the South.
“Puff Adders are the most common and tend to hang out on the property for a while.
“We relocate the the Puff Adders as they can be a problem for pets and people.
“Cape Cobras are our next most common snake that ends up in dangerous situations.”
To reduce the risk of encountering a snake on your property, keep the premises clean and tidy.
“We live in the snakes’ environment, so we need to be mindful and aware that they are here and deserve our respect.
“Do not touch or kill any snake and save your local snake catcher emergency number on your phone.”
