As is the norm when the summer months settle in all it’s glory, so do multiple snake species come out of hibernation all across the Helderberg with several sightings at homes, businesses and parks being reported daily.
Local snake catchers have shared some experiences and advise going about ensuring safety, calling it one of the busiest snake seasons in recent years.
“I’ve caught well over 100 snakes since September, sometimes up to four snakes a day,” said Blackie Swart of Snake Relocation Services, which seldom has a dull moment, “and the season usually runs right until March or April.” He urged the public always to be aware and react swiftly when spotting a snake on their property.
“I’ve been catching a lot of boomslang, cobra and puff-adder snakes, three of the most dangerous in our area. There has been the odd mole snake that is not harmful to humans, but I would advise you to treat every snake as dangerous and call a snake catcher immediately.”
Swart’s advice when spotting a snake is to keep children and pets away, and keep one’s eyes on the snake. Don’t throw stones or poke it with a stick, don’t agitate it but call a snake catcher immediately.
“There’s a shortage of anti-venom generally, and if one is bitten by a venomous snake it could result in hospital bills of R50 000 up to R200 000. When the snake is relocated into the wild and everyone’s safe, that’s when I’m happy.”
Steve Chadwick of Sir Lowry’s Pass recently caught his 100th snake in his six years of snake catching. Asked to relate a memorable experience, he said he recently responded to a call-out in Sir Lowry’s Pass, where a couple catching a tan saw a snake on their property. “Together with the security guard we removed boulders and stones, and eventually found the snake in a corner, which was a Cape cobra. Only its tail was sticking out. I tried to hook it, but it tried to escape and as I pulled the hook it lifted the snake high into the sky. Everyone just bolted in all directions at the sight of this cobra in the sky. It’s amusing now, but just shows the risks involved. That’s one of the reasons it’s best not to interfere with a snake until a professional arrives.”
Some snake catchers request a fee, others welcome donations, so it’s best to ask when one calls what the charge will be.
The following snake catchers, among others, are available 24/7:
- Blackie Swart – 083 659 8329;
- Steve Chadwick – 076 099 7458;
- Justin Collocott – 0791893807;
- Danielle Stassen – 072 8900 191;
- Lijan Harrison – 074 223 5846;
- Rudolph Herbst – 072 523 1589; and
- Marie Claire Knoop – 082 550 3863.
