{"id":216886,"date":"2019-09-04T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-09-04T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/216886\/be-on-the-lookout-for-snakes-as-the-weather-gets-warmer\/"},"modified":"2019-09-04T15:00:17","modified_gmt":"2019-09-04T13:00:17","slug":"be-on-the-lookout-for-snakes-as-the-weather-gets-warmer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/09\/04\/be-on-the-lookout-for-snakes-as-the-weather-gets-warmer\/","title":{"rendered":"Be on the lookout for snakes as the weather gets warmer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The weather is getting warmer as spring sets in and snakes will soon be coming out from hibernation hungry and in search of food.<\/p>\n

The metro wishes to caution pet owners to be on high alert and keep an eye on their pets as they may fall prey to snakes.<\/p>

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Residents should not panic when they spot a snake in their living spaces.<\/p>\n

However, they should always keep the snake in their vision at a distance of about five metres away, and not try to kill or handle the snake.<\/p>

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A snake should rather be given right of way instead of having its way blocked and sight of where it ends up should not be lost, while help is sought.<\/p>\n

The Ekurhuleni region is prone to snakes due to the availability of the Blesbokspruit river system, Bullfrog Pan, Highveld grassland and many open spaces with good eco-systems that provide both food and shelter for snakes.<\/p>\n

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Beware of the puff adder and rinkhals, as they are extremely dangerous with the puff adder known to be very instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.<\/p>\n

The rinkhals, or ring-necked cobra, is a fast moving multi-feeder that is good at faking death.<\/p>\n

It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.<\/p>\n

Not all snakes are poisonous; however, should a snake bite a resident it is advisable to visit a medical doctor immediately.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, residents are cautioned to avoid snakes in their spaces by keeping the yard clean, as an untidy yard creates a habitat for rodents, which is the primary food source for snakes.<\/p>\n

Use your municipal 240-litre wheelie bins to dispose of your refuse so that your litter does not provide food for rodents, which in turn will attract snakes.<\/p>\n

Finally, when feeding your pets, put out enough for the day. Don\u2019t have extra food on site in order to avoid feeding rodents.<\/p>\n

If you encounter a snake, Germiston residents can contact their Customer Care Centre or snake catchers Makhosonke Mabena on 071 833 6549 and Sonny Katisa on 084 451 1288.<\/p>\n

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Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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