Snakes around our area

• Keep children well away and lock up cats and dogs.

• Snakes are quick to disappear and slip away, so if you can keep an eye on it from a safe distance (5m or more), it helps the snake catcher to easily locate and capture the reptile. If possible, and safe to do so, take a photo of it, as this will assist in identification, and can be very helpful in decisions about whether to give antivenom or not.

• Do not attempt to catch or kill a snake, unless you have been trained in snake removal and have the correct equipment. Getting close to them can be dangerous as they are unpredictable.

Getting too close may result in the snake defending itself by either biting or spitting. Leave snake handling to the

A young male boomslang (Dispholidus typus).

A puff adder. (Naja mossambica). (Naja annulifera).

A Mozambican spitting cobra enters a yard in search of food. Photo: Luke Kemp Emergency protocol in the event of a snakebite Once you have contacted the snake catcher, a few commonsense steps can help. A black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis). Photo: Johan Marais Photo: Johan Marais Photo: Johan Marais A Mozambican spitting cobra Photo: Johan Marais A snouted cobra