BEWARE THIS SNAKE SEASON

WITH snake season in full swing, snake removal experts have shared stories of two people who are lucky to be alive after close brushes with a cape cobra and puff adder respectively.

In September, a cape cobra attempted to bite Malmesbury security guard Smiley Swart from SSS-Security while he was installing a motorised gate and spat its neurotoxic venom into his eye, while a 15-year-old boy experienced a “dry bite”, meaning no venom, from a puff adder.

Boland Snake Removal shared the incidents via their Facebook page and how the victims have since recovered.

Swart was installing a gate motor in Riebeek-Kasteel when the slang attacked. A wire obstructed the bite, causing neurotoxic venom to splash into his eye.

Upon arrival at Paarl Mediclinic, a “Morgan Lens” was used to continuously flush his eye. 

Luckily for him, no venom had entered his bloodstream. He experienced a month of burning and extreme sensitivity to sunlight and wind, and a year later, his eye remains sensitive and tears easily. 

According to Deep South Reptile Rescue, the Western Cape's “snake season” runs from September to April.

If you encounter a snake, maintain a safe distance (3-5 metres). Do not attempt to catch or kill it. Photograph it for identification. 

If on your property, contact a professional snake handler like Catchers United Western Cape (064 681 0779) and keep eyes on the snake until they arrive. 

In natural settings, avoid the snake.

If bitten, move away from the snake. Do not catch or kill it.

Stay calm, remove tight clothing and jewelry. Call emergency services and go to the hospital immediately. 

Do not cut, squeeze, suck the bite, apply a tourniquet, or use home remedies or unprescribed medicines.