Perhaps, like me, you grew up with the saying that the only good snake is a dead snake. Today we fortunately (or should I say “hopefully”) know better and protect snakes where possible as they play a unique role in the ecosystem.

For this reason, it was interesting to read about a puff adder who recently had to receive emergency treatment. The snake was accidentally injured by a grass clipper while staff of the Rietvlei Nature Reserve were cutting grass. The tip of her tail was severed and there were deep grazes over her body. The staff caught her and took her to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital. Snake expert Grant Fairley was called in to treat her and she was anaesthetised by placing an iv line in her tail vein. It also helped to keep her hydrated. The wounds were treated. Currently she is doing well and is already eating on her own. The sutures in the tail tip have already been removed and in a few days she will be released in the reserve.

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital treats indigenous wildlife free of charge and is dependent on donations to provide this wonderful service. They do not treat livestock or pets and declare that none of their patients have owners.

Puff adders are responsible for most snakebite deaths in Africa. This is partly due to the fact that they are not particularly fast and can camouflage themselves very well. People will therefore easily step on or sit on them, and because puff adders are aggressive, they will then usually attack, instead of trying to escape. They are also not shy, are widespread across the continent and common in highly populated regions.

Are there snakes where you live? Have you had any close encounters? Please let us know.