Durban — “After a quiet spell of Mozambique spitting cobra activity (well for me anyways), they're up and running again,” said Durban snake catcher Nick Evans.
On Wednesday morning, Evans recounted recent rescues and reports he had received on Mozambique cobras.
Regarding the pictured Mozambique spitting cobra, Evans said that the youngster was under a couch in Reservoir Hills on Monday.
“Last night (Tuesday), I removed an 80cm± one from a property in Westville,” Evans said.
He said he has also received reports of dogs being spat at, after approaching the snake.
“Also, yesterday (Tuesday), a man in Zwelibomvu, west of Durban, called to ask for advice after he got a spray of venom in his eyes. He’d moved some sand in the garden, uncovering and surprising the snake, and so it spat” Evans said.
He said that should you be spat at by this snake, rinse your eyes out for a few minutes, with water. You can see a doctor afterwards for a check-up and maybe some eye drops, too.
He also said that the same applies to pets, except take the pet to the vet and not your general practitioner.
“I hear of very few spitting incidents involving people in Durban, despite this species being common. The last one, before yesterday (Tuesday), happened to someone who tried killing the cobra. So don’t do that.
“Please move slowly away from this snake, and phone a professional immediately for help, while keeping eyes on the snake from five metres away or more,” he said.
Evans said that Mozambique spitting cobras, despite their name, are indigenous to South Africa, and they do not look for trouble. They look for toads and shelter, mostly, but not to attack.
“They just happen to have a remarkable way of defending themselves,” Evans said.
Last month, Evans rescued four Mozambique spitting cobras in a day, two on the same road.
Daily News