Serious snake handling warning

UNLESS you are skilled in identifying and handling snakes, leave them alone and call an expert.

That’s the loud and clear message after a local resident was twice bitten on Saturday by a stiletto snake – a species that can cause severe tissue damage.

Owing to its small size and innocent appearance, the stiletto is often handled by unsuspecting individuals who soon pay a heavy price.

“This was another typical case,” said Richards Bay snake expert Peter Daniel.

“I was called to the hospital to identify it so they could render the right treatment. The stiletto has fangs that protrude sideways and can strike backwards at the hand that is holding it, inflicting cytotoxic venom that results in painful swelling and tissue harm to the point where victims may even lose a thumb or finger.

"The bite is generally not fatal, but because there is no anti-venom, doctors can only treat the symptoms.

“The bottom line is: don’t touch a snake, rather call for help.”

Peter can be contacted on

076 0516420 for snake emergencies.

Apart from its dangerously located fangs, the stiletto snake also has a sharp spine at the end of its tail that can inflict a painful stab

This is how the victim’s thumb looked after the double bite on Saturday

By Tuesday, severe damage to the tissue was clearly evident

Cytotoxic snake bites destroy cell membranes and other tissue