Cape Town – Table Mountain National Park has reminded park customers that snake season has arrived and that they need to stay vigilant.
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) stated that as temperatures will increase, snakes grow to be extra energetic, and the park is home to round 22 snake species, 10 of that are non-venomous, though they will nonetheless ship a nasty chew.
“If provoked, and four of the venomous species include the Cape Cobra, the Puff Adder, Boomslang, and the Berg Adder. The good news is that they are mostly shy and will avoid human contact.
“The one you are most likely to encounter is the Puff Adder, which moves at a leisurely pace and enjoys nice warm spots, such as rocks and pathways.
“As you hike, keep your eyes peeled for the animals that call TMNP home. Many are so well adapted to the fynbos ecosystem that you need to be quick to spot them. Please be vigilant and exercise caution while enjoying outdoor,” they stated.
According to the Western Cape authorities, there are 41 several types of snakes within the Western Cape – 18 species usually are not venomous, whereas eight can inflict painful bites, and 6 species are thought-about doubtlessly lethal.
“Snakes play an important role in our ecosystem by controlling rodent and other pests. It’s important to remember that snakes are shy animals and tend to avoid people. They only strike people when threatened or when hurt.”
The six venomous snakes discovered within the Western Cape are the Cape cobra, puff adder, berg adder, boomslang, rinkhals, and black spitting cobra.
They suggested that earlier than residents go to a leisure space or go on a climbing journey, they need to discover out if the world has a medical facility close by, put on leather-based climbing boots and put on lengthy pants.
In the occasion of a snakebite, persons are urged to get a superb description of the snake and take {a photograph}, if potential.
“While it’s not essential to identify a snake after a snakebite, such information could be of use to medical doctors. Seek medical help immediately. If you’re alone, keep calm and seek help or phone for help. Don’t walk too fast or run, as this may speed up the distribution of venom in your body,” they stated.
“It’s important to remember that snakes will avoid contact with humans at all costs and only attack people if they feel threatened. Stick to well trodden paths and be observant.
“If you see a snake, wait for it to move out of the path and avoid getting close to inspect it, especially if you aren’t familiar with types of snakes,” they added.
“Deliberately getting close to a snake puts you and those around you at risk.”
If residents discover a snake on their property, it’s steered that they contact CapeNature, who will help with contact information for a snake handler.
Cape Argus
