Snakes are commonly called cold-blooded and enjoy the heat, especially in the summer and when the rain falls.<\/p>\n
More than 80 per cent of all snakebites in South Africa occur between January and April and in the early evening with people accidentally stepping on snakes.<\/p>
Compared to other parts of the country, the Gauteng Highveld has only a few dangerous snakes.<\/p>\n
Over much of the greater Johannesburg region, the east rand and further south, the rinkhals, stiletto snake and night adder are of concern.<\/p>
North, east and west of Pretoria there are also the Mozambique spitting cobras, snouted cobras, puff adders, and boomslangs.<\/p>\n
The rinkhals is common in grasslands, especially near vlei areas where it is active during the day, hunting for toads and rodents.<\/p>\n
This snake often has a permanent lair and is quick to disappear down its hole is threatened.<\/p>\n
Some individuals will live down the same hole for many years.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0All you need to know about snake bites<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If cornered, the rinkhals spreads a hood exposing two or three white bars on the chest and will spit readily.<\/p>\n They can eject their venom as far as 3m.<\/p>\n Otherwise, the snake will bite if spitting does not drive off the aggressor.<\/p>\n The venom of this snake is both neurotoxic and cytotoxic, causing pain and swelling but might also affect breathing.<\/p>\n Though considered potentially deadly, there have been no fatal bites in more than 40 years.<\/p>\n The other problematic snake is the stiletto snake.<\/p>\n It is usually active in the early evening, often after rain, and commonly ends up in swimming pools or is brought into homes by cats.<\/p>\n It is a small snake, usually dark brown to blackish and for some reason, people often mistake it for a harmless mole snake, even though it does not resemble it at all.<\/p>\n If handled in any way, even if gripped behind the head, this snake will bite.<\/p>\n It has large teeth that can stick out of the side of the mouth independently making it impossible to safely hold the snake.<\/p>\n The venom of the stiletto snake, though not considered potentially deadly, is potently cytotoxic causing pain, swelling, blisters and tissue damage that often result in the amputation of a finger or thumb.<\/p>\n There is no antivenom for the bite of this snake and doctors can only treat symptomatically.<\/p>\n While cats are far too quick and intelligent to get bitten by snakes, dogs are instinctive hunters and many dogs end up in veterinarian hospitals with serious bites.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:\u00a0Look out, snake season is upon us<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the event of a snakebite, get the victim to the nearest hospital with a trauma unit as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n It is very important that the victim receives the correct treatment as this may prevent a great deal of unnecessary pain and tissue damage.<\/p>\n Forget about tourniquets and other first aid measures \u2013 just get the victim to a hospital.<\/p>\n Less than 15 per cent of snakebite victims need antivenom and treatment is very effective in most instances.<\/p>\n Gently rinse the affected eyes under a tap of running water for 15-20 minutes and get the victim to a doctor.<\/p>\n The eyes will be examined, treated with local anaesthetic and antibiotic cream.<\/p>\n Most victims recover fully within two or three days.<\/p>\n Do exactly the same for your pet \u2013 straight to a vet.<\/p>\n Forget about Allergex tablets, milk, charcoal and all the other myths.<\/p>\n It does nothing for the poor animal.<\/p>\n Get your pet to the nearest vet and in cases of severe envenomation, antivenom will be required.<\/p>\n If you spot a snake in your garden, keep a safe distance of 5m or more from the snake and call a snake remover.<\/p>\n There is a list of snake removers countrywide on the African Snakebite Institute\u2019s website \u2013 www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com<\/a><\/p>\n For free posters of dangerous snakes in your area, go to www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ: Residents shocked to find black mamba<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Article written by Johan Marais of the African Snakebite Institute.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\u2022 First aid for a snakebite<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Venom in the eyes<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Pets and snakebites<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Snakes in the garden<\/h3>\n