This writer was about to have dinner when she turned on a lamp only to notice an attractive coil on the lounge carpet. Wondering for a split second if it was a scarf, a cap or beanie she should tidy up, she quickly acknowledged that it was not one she had ever seen before.
‘’There is a snake in our house, get out!” she advised her husband.
While contacting the efficient and enthusiastic snake handling group in the KZN Midlands with a racing heart and one eye on this very relaxed and unmoving coil, the suggestion from the group was that it looked exotic. Again, could it be an item of clothing or accessory? It still had not budged, even though we had walked within striking distance at least two or three times each while the room had been unlit.
The first snake catcher to respond calmly reminded us to stay away, be still, but keep a handle on the position of the snake while he shared the location information with the group. This ‘attractive designer print coil’ continued to snooze in comfort, going nowhere soon, or so he thought.
Our hero of the day, Matt Myhill from Curry’s Post confirmed he was enroute. He promptly identified our guest as a 700mm healthy male puffadder who had just shed and was therefore particularly bright and beautiful. Also, a rare house guest, usually only rescued from sheds and outbuildings.
Matt advised that at this time of year snakes are on the move, Pietermaritzburg has just had a remarkably busy week of relocations.
As South Africa has a shortage of the antivenom used to treat patients bitten by dangerous snakes such as cobras, mambas, and puff adders, at present, this is not a suitable time to take any chances with snakes.
Until temperatures settle at a lower range, keep your doors closed in the KZN Midlands and if by chance you do find a snake in your home, please reach out to this incredibly knowledgeable group of snake catchers.
Matt Myhill will put you in touch, call him on 082 777 9208.
