As Capetonians begin to enjoy the warmer months, the local snake population endemic to the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is also becoming more active.
A local handler is warning residents to stay alert after catching no fewer than seven puff adders from people’s homes since Saturday.
“They were all retrieved from people’s gardens that were backing onto the mountain,” snake expert Tyrone Ping told The South African on Thursday.
Earlier in the week, Ping had shared a warning on the Atlantic Seaboard Community Forum after catching five puff adders.
“I’ve caught two more since I made that post,” he added. “I have received other calls for smaller harmless snakes – slug eaters and mole snakes – but those aren’t really problematic.”
Increased snake activity as seasons change
According to Ping, the increase in snake activity is typical for this time of year as the first warm days of spring arrive.
Puff adders are also entering their breeding period, prompting males to travel in search of females.
“Puff adders are breeding, so males tend to travel a fair bit looking for females,” Ping explained. He said females leave a pheromone that males follow.
The activity has already been noticeable across several local properties in recent days. Ping said he encountered two male puff adders in one property engaged in what appeared to be a fight.
However, the behaviour was actually non-violent combat between the males as they competed for mating rights to a female.
He also encountered two puff adders mating in another garden, as well as two single males at separate properties.
TMNP is home to 22 snake species
SANParks has previously issued similar warnings about increased snake activity in TMNP.
The Cape peninsula is home to around 22 snake species. Ten are non-venomous, although they can still deliver a painful bite if provoked.
Five venomous species found in the park include the Cape cobra, puff adder, boomslang, rinkhals and berg adder.
According to SANParks, the puff adder is the snake that hikers and runners are most likely to encounter in Cape Town.
“The one you are most likely to encounter is the puff adder, which moves at a leisurely pace and enjoys nice warm spots, such as rocks and pathways,” SANParks said.
“Keep your eyes peeled for the animals that call the TMNP home. Many are so well adapted to the fynbos ecosystem, that you need to be quick to spot them.”
What to do if you have an encounter
Despite the presence of venomous snakes, SANParks said the reptiles are mostly shy and generally avoid human contact.
“Please be vigilant and exercise caution while enjoying outdoor activities,” SANParks added.
Ping has also asked Cape Town residents to save his number (0844922542) and contact him for assistance if they encounter any snakes in their home.
