Over the past week the wild seas on the West Coast have brought an influx of hazardous marine creatures to the shore, including highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snakes and toxic pufferfish.
CapeNature and conservation experts have confirmed these tropical species, while fascinating, pose a serious risk to both humans and pets. A warning from Conserve Eden has sparked concern on social media, urging the public to stay vigilant as these dangerous creatures wash up along the coast.
The rough sea conditions most likely shifted the snakes from warmer currents to colder waters, leaving them hypothermic and causing them to wash up locally.
According to local and qualified snake handler Davine Sansom beachgoers should steer clear of sea snakes and seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
“I have been concentrating on so many snakes in the greater Table View area and up to Duynefontein,” Sansom days.
To date, she removed a total of 99 land snakes.
“This is due to constant building in the greater areas. They are building into their habitat and snakes move into residential areas. They are encroaching their habitat which is very sad.
“The residents contact me to remove the snakes and release them back into nature reserves away from residential areas. My advice to residents is to keep gardens very neat and clean, retain no rubble that can attract mice and rats, which will then make nests and attract snakes. The golden rule: keep eyes on the snake at all times if found in a house, then close the door if a bedroom or bathroom and put a towel at the bottom of the door.”
Sansom advised this measure especially for venomous snakes.
“If they hear birds carrying on unusually then go investigate or if dogs are behaving and barking unusually please investigate. We have had a few dogs that have been bitten by venomous snakes that have died. Of the venomous snakes I have removed 32 have been Cape cobra and 31 boomslang.”
Venomous neurotoxin
Experts have warned beachgoers not to handle these snakes because, while bites are uncommon they can deliver a highly venomous neurotoxin that can be fatal.
Yellow-bellied sea snakes can be easily identified due to their distinct characteristics. The upper half of the body is black or dark blue-brown, with a yellowish lower half.
Residents and visitors are reminded not to handle the pufferfish as most species are among the most poisonous vertebrates. Those walking their dogs should ensure that their pets do not come in contact with the fish due to its high toxicity when eaten.
How to avoid getting bitten
- Leave snakes alone and treat them with respect at all times.
- Do not handle snakes, even small ones. Juvenile venomous snakes are just as dangerous as the adults.
- Never tamper with a seemingly dead snake, as many have the nasty habit of playing dead when scared or threatened, only to strike out the moment an opportunity arises.
- Wear boots and thick trousers or jeans if you spend a great deal of time outdoors. Hunters, hikers, birders and fishermen should wear snake gaiters that protect the lower leg against a snake bite.
- Step onto logs and rocks, and never over them. Snakes often sun themselves while partially concealed under these.
- Never put your hands in out-of-sight places, especially when mountain climbing. Berg Adders are known to bask on small ledges and will certainly bite if a hand suddenly appears close by.
- Never walk barefoot or without a torch at night when camping or visiting facilities in the bush. Many snakes are active after sunset, and slow-moving snakes like the puff adder are easily trodden on.
- Do not try to kill or catch a snake if you come across one. Throwing rocks or shooting at it is looking for trouble. Also do not attempt to catch one with braai tongs or pin it. Grab it behind the head.
- In case of a snake-bite emergency do not attempt to catch or kill the snake – rather take a photograph from a safe distance to assist with identification.
Contact Sansom on 072 809 8908 for assistance with snake removal.
