Five of the most common venomous snakes in our area
These look similar to a cobra, but the colour is different. Like cobras, they will spread their hood when they feel threatened. If that threat doesn't move, they might spray venom. These critters are also very good at playing dead, so do not approach. They are not aggressive, though, and bites from these snakes rarely occur. However, their venom is neurotoxic / cytotoxic and potentially fatal.
Cobras react extremely quickly but will leave you alone and slither away once they do not feel threatened. They vary in colour from black and reddish brown to olive brown or yellowish in colour. Bites from this snake should be treated as extremely serious. Their venom is neurotoxic and causes paralysis, resulting in respiratory, and heart failure. These snakes are very active during the day.
The boomslang is one of the most venomous snakes found in South Africa. The good news is that they are very shy and bites from these critters aren't common. Biting is difficult for a boomslang because their teeth are small and fairly retracted. That said, their venom is extremely dangerous - even more so because symptoms are slow to appear. These snakes are found across South Africa, usually in trees or bushes.
The puff adder is responsible for most snake bites, because they use camouflage so well and because they are easily stepped on. Unlike other snakes who raise their hoods when threatened, puff adders freeze.
The snake has distinct markings with pale-edged chevron-like patterns running along its back. Masters at conserving energy and lying in wait for their next meal, puff adders can strike extremely fast from their S-like coiled position. Their venom can be fatal.
Otherwise known as the Cape mountain adder - and not to be mistaken for the puff adder – these are also nervous snakes. But their bites are rare and not often fatal, since a single dose of the venom is not powerful enough to kill an adult human. They are smaller than the puff adder and will hiss loudly when threatened.
As their name suggests, they can be found in mountainous regions, but there are reports of them living in the thick fynbos on the Cape coast.
Sources: travelground.com, capesnakeconservation.com and biodiversitynature.com