African Snakebite Institute – Snakes and Spring
Spring marks the beginning of snake season. Improved weather and increasing temperatures create a spike in snake activity. The first rains, and an increase in frogs, baby birds, lizards and other prey activity and abundance, will result in more snake encounters after the long, cold winter.
Our snakes do not truly hibernate as it rarely gets cold enough, although those on the top of the Drakensberg and Cape Fold Mountains probably keep a low profile, deep down in burrows or in rock crevices for most of the winter. This inactive period in snakes is referred to as a state of torpor. On a hot winters’ day, snakes may leave their underground shelter to bask and the Rinkhals is particularly well known for doing this. Work by Wits University showed that by spreading a wide hood and lying flat, a Rinkhals could get its body temperature up to 30 degrees, even in midwinter.
Snake activity increases as the weather improves, but peaks once the first good summer rains pour down. Some snakes are flooded from their shelters while many species feed on frogs – an abundant food source in the rainy season.
Several snake species mate in spring and females emit pheromones to attract males. Several males may be attracted by a single female and this is the most common time of the year when snakes may be encountered in pairs. Snakes such as mambas, Mole Snakes and most adders engage in male combat when more than one male is attracted to a single female. Male combat is largely a wrestling match during which the male snakes lift the front part of their bodies off the ground and twist around one another – both trying to push the weaker male to the ground. Such combat can last more than half an hour and the males are not more aggressive towards humans while fighting – they are busy. Mole snakes often bite one another during male combat sometimes leaving gaping wounds with ribs exposed, but the wounds heal up quickly. It is not a fight until death, the loser moves off and the winner gets to mate with the female.
Snake encounters in suburban gardens and even inside houses are common in some areas, especially where houses are close to open veld or nature reserves. As snakes become more active, the chances of encountering a snake around the house rises. Cats may capture and tire out small snakes, but often bring their captures indoors while still alive. They are smart enough to avoid large snakes, while dogs usually go into attack mode the moment they see a snake and many dogs get bitten.
Should you encounter a snake in your house or garden, immediately retreat at least five paces and observe the snake from a safe distance while calling a snake remover. There are close on 600 snake removers on the free ASI App, ASI Snakes. Never attempt to catch or kill a snake unless you have been trained in the safe removal of venomous snakes.
Should you encounter a snake on a hike or anywhere outdoors, immediately retreat at least five paces and move away from the snake. Once you are five paces or more away from a snake you cannot get bitten. Never try to catch or kill snakes in the wild – that is unnecessary and dangerous.
When visiting game reserves or when camping, always wear closed shoes at night and use a torch. Take care when collecting firewood or when making a fire – snakes and scorpions often hide in piles of wood.
Ensure that doors of chalets (especially sliding doors) are closed, especially at night. The same for tents – always close the mosquito mesh section, especially during the day as snakes may enter your tent in your absence. The Mozambique Spitting Cobra often enters dwellings and tents and many people are bitten by this snake while asleep.
Most of our snakebites are occur between January and April/May and the majority are inflicted by the Mozambique Spitting Cobra, the Puff Adder, the Rhombic Night Adder and Bibron’s Stiletto Snake. Their venom is predominantly cytotoxic – causing pain, swelling, blistering and, in serious cases, tissue damage. These bites are seldom fatal but the sooner a victim is hospitalised, the better. Fatal bites in South Africa, around 10 – 12 a year, largely result from Cape Cobra and Black Mamba bites. The venom of these snakes is largely neurotoxic, causing progressive weakness and affecting breathing. Victims need to be hospitalised urgently.
Be aware this spring as snake activity increases. Make use of the free ASI Snakes App to contact professional snake removers or learn more about the snakes in your area.
By Johan Marais of the African Snakebite Institute