Snake activity increases as winter draws near

GEORGE NEWS - Snake activity in George seems to be on the increase. But according to local snake handler, Justin Godwin, this is nothing out of the ordinary or anything to be concerned about.

"Snakes will be extra active on the warm days at this time of the year as they are trying to fatten up as much as possible before winter when they become less active," he said.

On Sunday 26 April, Godwin was called out twice to remove and relocate puff adders in the area.

"The first call-out was just after dark at Kraaibosch Ridge for a puff adder on a veranda," he said. "Then the second one was around 21:00 for a puff adder in the middle of Beach Road in Pacaltsdorp. A police officer saw the snake crossing the road and called me to relocate it as he was worried that it could get run over."

The officer kept an eye on the snake until Godwin arrived.

Dirk Barnard releasing a baby boomslang in an area far from human activity, but still within its natural habitat. Purpose-made gloves are used when handling venomous snakes. Photo: Justin Godwin

According to Godwin, six of the 16 snakes he and fellow snake handler, Dirk Barnard, released that same day were puff adders.

"We've had about 300 snake call-outs this summer so far. All snakes are safely relocated far from human activity within a 20km radius of where we catch them. The only time we may delay releasing or cannot release, is when they have to be treated and rehabilitated for any sickness or injuries," he said.

The puff adder that Godwin rescued at Kraaibosch. The puff adder (Bitis Arietans) is very dangerous with a potent cytotoxic venom and accounts for about 70% of all serious snakebites in South Africa. Photo: Justin Godwin