With temperatures rising nationwide, snake sightings are on the rise, and this is no different in Bloemfontein.
What does add to the intrigue of increased snake activity, is the fact that local snake experts have reported the capture of a species last formally recorded in the area in 1977.
A Bibron’s Stiletto Snake (Atractaspis bibronii) was recently discovered after snake catcher Jade Hastings was called out to relocate the unusual dark brown snake, which he immediately identified as this lesser-seen species.
Dr Cora Stobie, Senior Museum Scientist of Herpetology in the Department of Animal and Plant Systematics at the National Museum in Bloemfontein, explained that “although this species is relatively abundant in the north-east of South Africa, this species has very seldom been recorded in the Northern Cape, North West and Free State”.
She also added that “in Bloemfontein there have been two recorded sightings, with the last formally recorded specimen found in Pellissier in 1977, it has thought to have been sighted since then, but this has not been formally documented. It can be quite difficult to find this species as it is primarily fossorial (i.e. it lives underground).”
with an incredible ability to manipulate their hinged fangs and bite anyone
trying to handle it. PHOTO: JADE HASTINGS
Dr Stobie explained that snake sightings in Bloemfontein increase in the summer months, as increased heat allows snakes and other reptiles to be more active, seeking prey and water sources.
“Almost every day of summer our local snake catchers receive callouts from people who have sighted snakes and need them relocated,” she said.
“Luckily for many of us, our snake catchers are always available to come out and safely remove these animals, releasing species that should occur here back to the environment.”
Bloemfontein locals need to remain vigilant and be aware of the increase in snake activities during summer months, and Dr Stobie’s advice is simple: “Firstly, don’t panic!
The snake is much more likely to be scared of the giants surrounding it than you are of it.
Call a local snake catcher instead of trying to catch the snake yourself, and please never try to pick up an unidentified snake yourself.”
Snake catchers the National Museum in Bloemfontein has worked with include Jade Hastings (078-886-3664), Stephan Fourie (084-400-4430), Ross du Plessis (072-495-9164), Theuns la Grange (082-313-2400), and Brett Sharp (073-424-1384.
Warren Hawkins
