Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
At the Breede River Estuary you can expect to see a number of venomous and non-venomous snake species. Bites are uncommon, but not unheard of. A basic understanding of the snake species which occur in our environment could prove crucial when it comes to what first aid to apply.
The three most common dangerous and venomous snakes are the Puff Adder, Cape Cobra and Boomslang. Puff Adders are ambush predators that lie well camouflaged waiting for mice to pass by. The venom of Puff Adders is predominantly cytotoxic, meaning it affects local tissue and causes damage to muscle cells. They get their name from their habit of taking in lots of air when feeling threatened and exhaling it slowly to make a loud puffing noise.
The Puff Adder is a slow-moving snake, but it has the fastest strike of all Southern African snakes. It can strike multiple times within milliseconds. Watch this incredible video which slows down a rapid strike to reveal several bite attempts.
Cape Cobras are more active than Puff Adders and hunt for their prey. Cobras pack a potent neurotoxic venom which affects the peripheral nervous system. The respiratory muscles are gradually paralysed causing breathing failure.
Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
Male Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
The Boomslang is a shy tree snake which can sometimes be seen hunting birds and foraging their nests. They are fast snakes which have relatively short fangs situated at the back of their mouth. Nearly all snakes can open their mouths 180° when striking, so do not believe the misconception that a back-fanged snake cannot bite you. Boomslangs possess haemotoxic venom which disrupts blood clotting.
Common non-venomous snakes include Mole Snakes, Egg-eaters and Brown House Snakes. However, Egg-eaters and Night Adders look very similar, both in patterning and size. Likewise, a juvenile Mole Snake is visually similar to Skaapsteker. Find below a basic guide to the Snakes of the Breede Estuary, indicating typical snake colours, lengths, danger and differences. Alternatively, you may download the pamphlet here.
