KAROO NEWS - Spring and summer are the most common times for snake sightings in both residential and rural suburbs, sometimes even the sea shore. 

Five venomous snakes to look out for:

COBRAS

Cobras are mainly ground snakes and live in a range of habitats, including desert, forest, fynbos, grassland, thicket and cultivated areas. These snakes sometimes get into homes close to grassy areas, in an attempt to escape the heat. They’ve even been spotted on the beach. They are very active during the day.

RINKHALS

Rinkhals look similar to cobras, but the colour is different. Like cobras, they will spread their hood when they feel threatened. If that threat doesn’t move, they might spray venom. These critters are also very good at playing dead, so do not appro

PUFF ADDER

The puff adder is responsible for most snake bites, because they use camouflage so well and are therefore easily stepped on.

BERG ADDER

The berg adder is smaller than the puff adder and will hiss loudly when threatened. Their bites are rare and not often fatal, since a single dose of the venom is not powerful enough to kill an adult human.

BOOMSLANG

The boomslang is one of the most venomous snakes found in South Africa. The good news is that they are very shy and bites from these critters aren’t common.

Snake catchers put their lives at risk so you don’t have to. 

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