Snakes in the Hood

As summer temperatures rise there is always an increase in snake activity and, along with the construction happening in the Sunningdale/Parklands North areas, there are sure to be many new hiding places and water sources for snakes from the nearby bushes to use. Also, with it being the snake breeding season, some snakes may be aggressive. Local snake handler, Willem Van Zyl from Blouberg Snake Rescue advises residents to keep a snake handler’s number on their phone, under a name they’ll remember when encountering a snake.

“It’s always best to call an expert rather than rely just on your own ability to identify a snake“, says Willem. “We perform humane catching and relocation of all venomous and non-venomous snake species in the Greater Blouberg and surrounding areas.”

If you find a snake on your property, don’t try to catch it yourself or aggravate it in any way. More than 90% of snakebites occur when people try to catch or harm the snake.

Here are a few pointers to remember when encountering a snake:

• If someone has been bitten, contact emergency services immediately (10177 / 084 124 / 112)
• Contact Blouberg Snake Rescue on 082 385 1589 to have the snake removed (save this number on your phone for easy access)
• Don’t get closer to the snake than 5 meters, but ensure that someone knows where it is at all times
• Keep pets and people away from the area, preferably indoors
• If the snake is indoors, close any windows and doors leading to the room. If possible, place a towel along the base of the door to prevent the snake from escaping.
• NEVER attempt to kill a snake or allow someone else to do so. Doing so is DANGEROUS and often ILLEGAL.

For more information get in touch with Willem at Blouberg Snake Rescue, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Blouberg Snake Rescue – Willem Van Zyl
willemvzyl@gmail.com
082 385 1589
http://facebook.com/BloubergSnakeRescue