Snake specialist Nick Evans cautions that snakes emerging from hibernation with the arrival of spring pose a danger only if they feel threatened.
With the warmer weather starting in September, there are concerns about the appearance of snakes and their entry into residential buildings. However, Evans asserts that there is little cause for panic, as these reptiles are generally not dangerous if they are not provoked.
Evans, a specialist in venomous snakes from Durban, strongly advises people not to attack snakes, especially venomous black mambas and Mozambique spitting cobras, as they may react aggressively to save their lives.
He reported that since the start of the season, he has been called to several locations where snakes have been spotted. Evans noted that if a snake is non-venomous and outside the home, he advises people to simply leave it, and it will leave on its own.
His professional work includes rescuing and capturing injured snakes. He mentioned that on Tuesday, he had to catch a 2.4-meter black mamba at a factory in Clair Estate, as well as a 1.1-meter Mozambique spitting cobra in Pinetown. After capturing the snakes, he releases them far from populated areas.
Evans emphasized that snakes move actively, which is evidenced by the large number of calls. Sometimes they are found very far from him, and he has to call another snake catcher specialist.
He added that residents whose property borders nature reserves should expect encounters with snakes inside or outside their homes. If a house is located on the edge of a valley, there is a possibility of finding snakes. In Evans' opinion, snakes bite people usually only when someone tries to kill or catch them; otherwise, they try to leave.
Several snake catchers have put themselves at risk for their job. One of them, Warren Dick, also from Durban, recounted that he himself was bitten by a black mamba two years ago in Yellowwood Park while freeing it from a bag.
Evans explained that snakes do not attack dogs, but dogs can attack snakes while defending their homes and families. The snakes will try to run away, but if they cannot escape, they will defend themselves. He mentioned cases involving Mozambique spitting cobras, known as impethusa, which usually just spit in a dog's eyes, causing the dog to retreat, and the snake to leave.
However, Evans warned that this does not always happen, as there are instances where dogs attack and kill snakes, and if it is a black mamba, the bite could be fatal to the dog.
To prevent snakes from invading homes, it is necessary to keep the area clean by eliminating garbage piles and creating conditions unfavorable for rats, such as in a cluttered warehouse. Other people suggest using plants like lemongrass, garlic, marigolds, wormwood, lavender, and rosemary to repel snakes around the yard. Nevertheless, Evans believes that such plants capable of driving away snakes do not exist, as there is no chemical or plant remedy that could keep snakes away.
The best solution when a snake is found is to call a specialist for consultation or capture of the animal. He also noted that some types of snakes, such as pythons, are protected by law, and killing them is a crime. Evans has never encountered anyone dying from a snakebite, as it is rare, but people who get bitten usually survive after medical intervention.
Snake catcher Dean Boswell, based in Pietermaritzburg, reported that with the rising temperature, he received many calls, especially from residential homes throughout the city, as snakes have become more active. He mentioned that some calls relate to domestic snakes and harmless speckled bush snakes, especially in Northdale.
Boswell advised that if people encounter a snake, they should slowly back away, keep children and pets away from the area, and contact a local snake catcher specialist. He supported Evans' assurances that snakes do not attack people and always try to leave. He also agreed with the view that many consider snakes dangerous, yet reptiles help control pests such as rats and mice. Boswell added that he has never personally encountered a case of human death from a snake, but responded to calls when dogs most often received bites from buffaloders.