Cape Town - Cape Town residents are advised to be on the watch for snakes as winter makes way for warmer weather.
The spring weather brings snakes out of hiding and their shelters and their first “assignment” is to find food and water – this is necessary to continue to live and reproduce, snake rescue co-ordinator volunteer Shaun MacLeod said.
“The female snake encourages males by emitting a particular pheromone when she is ready to breed. Keep in mind that snakes do not pair off as a couple or create accommodation such as a nest. Snakes are solitary creatures, they don’t travel in groups or in pairs.
“A female snake will search for a suitable location to lay her eggs but this is not a ‘nest’, meaning it is not a fixed dwelling. A female snake will lay her eggs in a suitable hide or burrow before abandoning them and moving off.
“These eggs hatch around early to mid-summer, with each juvenile snake emerging as an independent snake. As with the parents, these juvenile snakes are instinctive and will also be searching for food and suitable habitat,” said MacLeod.
He added that snakes have a shy nature and will not attack anyone unless provoked, in which case they will defend themselves.
"If you see a snake inside your home, get all people and pets out of the room immediately. Shut the door and fill the gap underneath with a towel, then call a professional snake catcher for assistance.
“If you see a snake outside, watch where it goes from a safe distance without disturbing or provoking it. Remain calm and back away, giving it space to retreat.
“If it’s heading for the bush or an open paddock you probably won’t see it again.
“If it disappears into a shed or under a vehicle, then you may need to call a snake catcher. Do not approach or attempt to handle or kill it. Your odds of being bitten are increased if you attempt to kill the snake.”
The public is advised to stick to well-used, open trails when walking or hiking in the wilderness, to watch all snakes from a safe distance and be aware of defensive behaviours that let you know you are too close.
Cape Times