By Alana Bailey

Lately videos of snake catchers posted on social media are quite popular. People make it look easy, but this is one case where the warning “Don’t try this at home” should be taken very seriously.

There are about 170 snake species and subspecies in South Africa. Some of the most venomous snakes found here are the black mamba, tree snake, puff adder, Cape cobra and rinkhals. Deadly venomous snakes also occur in the rest of the world, with the exception of Ireland, New Zealand and very cold regions such as Siberia and Antarctica.

Trying to identify snakes yourself is risky. Leave it to the experts instead. In the past I have experienced that a ringneck has been identified as a red-lipped house snake and a young tree snake (that has not yet turned green) also as a harmless snake. Fortunately, both times there were no tragic consequences.

The rule remains to treat all snakes with respect and when they enter your property (or is it herded?), get an experienced expert to remove them. Furthermore, be aware that they pose a danger not only to humans, but also to domestic animals. Every year, snakes cause the death of many dogs, cats and other pets that have clashed with these reptiles.

What should you do if a snake bites you or your pet? Of course, you should get medical help as soon as possible, but here are some more helpful tips on what to do while you’re on your way to the hospital or vet:

• Carefully move away from the snake. Do not try to catch or kill it – you may get stung again.
• Do try to take it down for identification. If your camera or cell phone is far away, observe closely what it looks like so you can describe it. Note the color, length, thickness and shape of the head.
• Move as little as possible and stay calm.
• Remove tight-fitting clothing and jewelry such as watches, or the pet’s collar before swelling begins.
• Do not cut the bite site or try to remove or suck out the venom. It only works in stories and can do more harm than good.
• Do not drink caffeine, alcohol or painkillers.

Hopefully we’ll never need these tips, but it’s good to know.

Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem and must therefore be treated and preserved with respect just like all other fauna and flora.