Snake Season on the Garden Route
As the season springs into action on the Garden Route be on the lookout for snakes that have slithered out from their winter hibernation seeking food and a mate.
Snake season kicks off in August and September and many snakes, especially puff adders come out of hibernation during these warmer months. They are hungry and seeking to mate, and are therefore more active. They can be aggressive if cornered, but mostly they prefer to stay out of harm’s way and will move on peacefully.
Snakes can be spotted all over the garden Route where there is thick, unmanaged vegetation. And snake call-outs are frequent up until January and February when mating season comes to an end. Sightings slow down as snakes have had enough to eat and are pregnant.
The Garden Route is renowned for adventure activities, camping and hiking, and snakes are commonly sighted basking in the sun. Most snakes will feel the vibration of your footsteps as you approach and will slither off to safety. If you encounter a snake on the trail, stop dead in your tracks and allow it time to move on. In the event that this does not occur, let it be and go around it.
Do not try to prod it with a stick, throw rocks, or try to pick it up. This will only agitate the snake, and could possibly trigger a defensive response. If there is no way to move around it, stomp your feet from a safe distance.
Note that as a general rule, most snakes can strike a distance of half their body length, so give yourself at least double or triple that. The goal is to encourage the snake to depart on its own terms while you do everything you can to avoid being perceived as a threat.
The following tips will ensure you are not caught off guard expectantly:
- Always pay attention to the trail ahead of you. When crossing logs/blowdowns, whenever possible rather step on, than over obstacles. A snake may be basking on the other side.
- The majority of snake bites are to the ankle or lower leg area, followed by the hands. If you are bushwhacking off-trail or the path is overgrown, it is a good idea to wear long, loose-fitting pants or gaiters. These items will not completely protect you from a snake bite but can reduce the amount of venom that is injected.
- Always take note of where you place your feet and your hands.
- Keep an eye out for any movement or hissing sounds on your trail. Puff adders are known to hiss a warning before they strike.
- Use a walking/hiking stick to push back vegetation as you move along.
- Do not wear open shoes or sandals, rather ankle snuggling boots. Whilst moving around in the middle of the night, ensure you have footwear on and carry a headlamp torch.
Puff adders are known to be domesticated and 80% of them find shelter in homes, which is hazardous for small children and pets. The reason they are domesticated is that humans provide them with rodents and domesticated birds, so they associate human dwellings with food, warmth, and safety.
Keep snakes away from your home with the following safety tips:
- Ensure the vegetation surrounding your property is cleared to avoid boomslang that reside in trees and thick bush.
- Remove shrubs that come right up to your house and avoid stack piles that snakes could hide in.
- Keep your aviary clean and secure, and do not allow birds to nest in your roof, as boomslang eat the eggs of nesting birds. Rather install bird boxes.
- Scatter cracked peach pips, which can be bought from local nurseries, around door entrances to your home. This will deter puff adders who do not like sliding over them.
- If you need to have a snake removed take note of the position of the snake from afar, do not approach it. You will need to pinpoint where it was and where it went when the snake removal team arrives.
If you need a snake removed from your property contact your local Fire Department or Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay:
Call: (+27) 44 534 8056
Cell: (+27) 82 66706588
Snake Rescue (24hrs): 074 120 9416