Durban snake rescuer Nick Evans shared information about some of the most common snakes found in Durban, which he was getting several calls for before the snow or cold spell.
On Monday Evans said it had been a freezing few days in KwaZulu-Natal, without any snake activity.
He said having the sun out in Durban was nice, although it was still a little chilly and a bit too windy for it to be a busy ‘snake day’.
The snake rescuer said he decided to share four of the six most common snakes around Durban, excluding the black mamba and Mozambique spitting cobra, which he received many calls for before the snow or cold spell.
Snake 1: spotted ‘green mamba’ of Durban
Evans said this snake terrifies Durban residents every spring and summer.
However, he clarified it was not a green mamba but a spotted bush snake.
“In short, green mambas are found in coastal areas, although they have ventured up the Umhlatuzana River system,” Evans said.
“The spotted bush snake, aka, ‘The Garden Snake’, is by far the most common snake species in Durban. They’re EVERYWHERE! Even in the city. They have learnt to survive in built-up areas. Their favourite place to hide is in roofs, but they’ll also hide in cracks in walls, post boxes etc.”
Evans asked residents not to call a snake remover if they see a spotted bush snake go into their roof.
“We will not be able to catch it. It will not harm anyone. It will eat a gecko or two and move on.”
Snake 2: common/rhombic night adder
Evans said these snakes are often mistaken for puff adders due to a vaguely similar appearance and the fact that they also hiss when threatened. However, puff adders are not found around Durban. They start occurring in the Upper Highway area, becoming more common the further west one goes.
“Night adders are brown/grey, with a small head with a ‘V’ marking, and as most callers describe, dark ‘diamond markings on the body’,” Evans described.
“It has a cytotoxic venom causing swelling and pain, and one should seek medical attention if bitten. However, no fatalities have been recorded and antivenom is not required.”
Evans said most large dogs which are bitten survive just fine, after a vet visit.
“Small dogs too, although I’ve noted some small dogs can get into a really bad way, and I’ve recorded a few deaths. So always take dogs to the vet if bitten,” Evans said.
He said despite its name, the snake is active during the day when it hunts resting toads.
Snake 3: herald snake
Evans said herald snakes, also known as red or white-lipped heralds, often have people thinking they are mambas.
“This is due to their colouration and the defensive display they put on when threatened. They flatten their heads, coil back, and strike repeatedly,” Evans said.
He said mambas don't do this, they generally flee.
“Heralds, unlike mambas, have white speckles on their bodies, and their heads are darker than the rest of the body,” Evans said.
He said these snakes have a mild venom of no concern to humans or pets.
They are mostly nocturnal and hunt mostly toads.
Snake 4: brown house snake
Evans said Grace, his dog, was sniffing at something under my python box left outside for cleaning the next day. She then just stared. Unusual behaviour for her.
Lifting the box, they found a juvenile brown house snake, which appeared to have eaten a large gecko, or lizard of sorts.
“These non-venomous snakes are common around homes, where they seek shelter and rodents (youngsters love lizards). Adults will also take birds,” explained Evans.
“These snakes are constrictors. In Durban, if you see a snake wrapped around a rat or bird, it will almost certainly be this species.
“Easily identifiable by the cream-coloured stripes on their body.”
Evans said it is a useful snake to have around.
“As it warms up, other species, such as vine snakes and Mozambique spitting cobras, will also start being a common sight, as it is mating season for them and the above four, and more,” Evans added.
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