Beware of snakes coming out this Spring
Spring season is around the corner and the weather will soon be warm.
This also means that snakes will now be active, after a long period of hibernation, and go out in search of food due to hunger.
The City of Ekurhuleni warns pet owners to be on a high alert and to keep an eye on their domestic pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
Also, residents who witness snakes in their properties must report the incident as soon as possible.
“From mid-August until late May is snake season and a number of snakes, which are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, Arora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like rats and cats,” said the City.
Due to their harmless and less defensive nature, these species tend to be easily killed or captured as pets, an illegal and punishable act if one does not have a legal permit.
“Meanwhile, snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger,” explained Ekurhuleni in a statement.
The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast moving multi feeder, which is good at faking death. It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.
