Snakes on the street a seasonal sighting

Venomous snakes have been seen slithering on the seaboard, generally near drains and other openings that these creatures can easily reach.

Snake catcher Tyrone Ping says spotting Cape Cobras and Puff Adders is not unusual during the summer season.

“This is purely seasonal and related to spring/summer weather conditions. We can almost predict the change in snake activity as we enter different seasons, so there is no exceptional rise in sightings when looking at a year-on-year approach,” said Mr Ping.

“In these areas we see a lot of snake activity, mostly those properties and homes backing directly onto the mountain (Signal Hill) so snakes move freely between the mountain and these homes or streets. We seldom get snakes further than two or three roads away from the mountain.”

According to Mr Ping’s records, this summer season is comparable to past years and he believes that because reports have been shared on social media, it appears as if there are more sightings.

“While climate change can affect animals and their actions, in this case looking at the last few years/decades there has not been a huge difference in records. Diurnal snakes (snakes active during the day) are most active in the early mornings and then again the late afternoons. Snakes avoid the hottest parts of the day as the temperatures may become too high for them to safely function. Nocturnal snakes are active from sunset to sunrise and on warm evenings especially before cold fronts or during rain snake activity peaks as would the frog/toad activity,” Mr Ping said.

Jon Friedman, Wildlife Department supervisor of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, agrees with Mr Ping.

“There is no official recorded rise in venomous snake sightings along the Atlantic Seaboard. In fact, the herpetological records show that sightings are below what they were for snakes in 2023-2024. There have also been fewer recorded snakebites on humans and pets than in past years. We have come to expect that snake activity (across all species, so not just the venomous ones), naturally increases at this time of year as snakes seek to breed, feed up for the coming winter and on the very dry, hot days (as we have been experiencing), seek out drinking water (snakes get thirsty too!),” Mr Friedman said.

He said urbanisation and more people using the mountain for recreational purposes also adds to the displacement of all kinds of species and not just snakes.

Mr Ping said if you do see a snake, you have to keep your eyes on it.

“The most important thing is to keep watching the snake, do not run away or go inside/outside away from the snake as if you then call a snake catcher you have no idea where the snake is which usually makes it impossible to remove the snake,” he said.

“If you’re on the Atlantic Seaboard/City Bowl or any other part of Cape Town you can contact me directly on 084 492 2542 and we can successfully relocate the problem snake to a safe environment.”

If you want to decrease the chances of encountering a snake in your yard do the following:

- Avoid having piles of wood stacks, building rubble, bricks and any other man-made structures where snakes/rats can hide in and around;

- Avoid having plants growing directly onto your windows/sides of your home - this allows snake easy access into your home.

- Remember having water features/fish ponds will attract frogs which in turn attract snakes.

There are just three highly venomous snakes found along the Atlantic seaboard: the Boomslang, Cape Cobra,and Puff Adder, and according to Mr Ping, snake bites cause very few deaths each year.

“Snake bites are dealt with effectively and when needed both human and pets can be given anti-venom. If you’re ever bitten by a snake, any snake, it is best to get straight to hospital especially if you’re not sure what snake bit you.”