GEORGE NEWS - With a garden refuse bag in one hand, Paul Potgieter (82) bent down to collect a small pile of weeds. In his other hand, he unwittingly lifted a young puff adder. By the time he spotted it, the snake was already off the ground.

“It was dangling around and bit me on the thumb,” he said.

This Monday morning clean-up on 2 November ended with Potgieter spending two nights in Mediclinic George.

His wife, Dawn (80), had been weeding their garden at Groenkloof Gardens the previous day when the rain interrupted her. She left the weeds in small heaps and asked Paul to collect them the next morning.

The juvenile puff adder was about as thick as the thumb it bit.

The couple knew snakes had been spotted nearby. Paul recalled about nine sightings in the area, including one on a neighbour’s patio. Even so, he did not expect to find one among the weeds.

After the bite, Paul went inside to tell Dawn. They quickly changed, and she drove him across town to hospital.

Paul praised the staff who treated him. “When we arrived, they were very efficient, very friendly. I am truly grateful for the excellent service we received.”

Now back home, the couple hopes his experience will encourage neighbours to look carefully before reaching into garden cuttings.

Tips for snake season

• In the garden: Look before you reach. Even a small heap of weeds can conceal a snake. When collecting cuttings or firewood, keep your hands where you can see them.

• On a walk: Wear sturdy boots and long trousers in the veld. Check where your next footstep will land, especially when crossing a fallen branch or stepping over rocks. Use a torch when walking outside after dark.

• If you spot a snake: Step back at least 5m and keep children and pets away. Give the snake room to move off. If it’s inside your home, call a trained snake remover. If you can safely keep it in sight, you can tell the remover exactly where it is.

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