Snake Awareness Course: Essential Insights and Knowledge

Twelve municipal officials from the parks and environmental departments attended a hands-on snake awareness course offered by the African Snakebite Institute in Hawston on 3 October 2024.

The course aimed to equip officials with the skills needed to handle snake encounters on-site and provide first aid for snakebites.

Prioritising snake safety is non-negotiable, which is why understanding the safest removal techniques and protocols is essential. The officials found the guidelines on catch-and-release logistics particularly valuable.

Overstrand Municipality urged residents to be extra cautious when out and about, as snake season has officially begun.

From October to April, there is a higher incidence of snake bites as temperatures rise and snakes become more active.

The majority of snakes in South Africa are harmless and contribute positively to the ecosystem. However, the Poison Information Helpline of the Western Cape (PIHWC) recommends that people stay alert and mindful of their surroundings while enjoying outdoor activities during this season.

While snakes are generally not aggressive and will only bite when threatened, residents are advised to avoid approaching them if spotted.

The contact numbers for snake catchers in the Overstrand are listed on the municipal website under important numbers > snake catchers. Make sure to save the numbers on your cellphone so you have them ready when needed.

Image: Samkelo Tyelinzima (Hermanus Parks), Ludwe Mbali (Hermanus Parks), Timothy Europa (Kleinmond Environmental), Morne Crause (Hermanus Parks), Wendall Poole (Hermanus Parks), Renville Pieters (Hawston Camping Site), Marco Cornelius (Hermanus Environmental), PJ Minnies (Kleinmond Environmental), Chester Arendse (Gansbaai Environmental), Dean Gardiner (Hermanus Environmental), Daroll Isaacs (Hermanus Environmental) and Heathley Plaatjies (Hermanus Parks) attended a hands-on snake awareness course offered by the African Snakebite Institute in Hawston on 3 October 2024.