If you are one of the people that still follow the old adage of the only good snake is a dead snake, you’re not alone. Many people feel this way. After all, snakes are slimy evil creatures; I mean look at those eyes and those scales – disgusting right!? Why do we need them anyway?…
Are Snakes Smart?
There is very little known about snake intelligence. Most of the information that we do have comes from keepers whose anecdotal reports and experience are often strongly divided in opinion. The two predominant schools of thought on whether or not snakes are smart are: Snakes generally have small brains and are purely instinctual Snakes have…
Snake in Your House! Who Pays?
Just what value is attached to the removal of a problem snake is a contentious subject in South Africa. On the surface the issue may appear simple. Some handlers charge, some don’t. However, in small ‘snake-catching communities’ there is more than meets the eye and these issues are often fraught with politics.
Fear of Snakes: Learned or Genetic?
Snakes are commonly regarded as slimy, disgusting creatures. For many, no animal on this planet elicits more fear than a loathsome snake. For some, this fear of snakes goes beyond the seemingly rational. While you are reading this you may be inclined to leave this site as quickly as possible for fear of simply seeing…
Cape Cobra in a Bottle: A Success Story
After some nasty recent incidents - two involving dogs and puff adders, and one with a farmer who only ever calls after he has killed a snake on his property - Mr Saleem of SSY Auto on Strandfontein Road, Ottery, not only made my day but brought a smile to my face. His calm and…
Killing a Snake in the Western Cape is Illegal (Sometimes)
The legislation around the killing of snakes in the Western Cape is a bit of a grey area. On one hand only the following snakes are formally protected: Water Snakes (Genus Lycodonomorphus) House Snakes (Genus Lamprophis) Wolf Snakes (Genus Lycophidion) File Snakes (Genus Mehelya) Slug-eaters (Genus Duberria) Egg-eaters (Genus Dasypeltis) Mole Snakes (Genus Pseudaspis) Green…
