With a large proportion of our district made up of nature reserves, a national park and a long coastline, reports of displaced, injured and sick wildlife are common.

Our Wildlife Unit, which falls under the Inspectorate, also investigates reports of cruelty to wild animals such as monkeys and baboons. We are also called out to investigate zoos and private individuals keeping 'exotic' pets such as reptiles and snakes.

Snake wise
Our inspectorate has issued a reminder that summer time is snake time, as these cold blooded or ectothermic reptiles come out in warmer weather to forage and reproduce.
 
Snakes are commonly reported as a ‘problem’ by residents but they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, feeding on a variety of rodents and insects.
 
The CoGH SPCA is appealing to Capetonians who come across snakes not to kill them – which disturbs the order of nature – but to rather seek assistance. We respect that for many it is very scary to encounter a snake, and some look more dangerous than they are.
 
Non-venomous snakes include the Rhombic Egg Eater, Mole Snake, Olive House Snake and the Slug Eater. Venomous snakes include the Boom Slang, Cape Cobra and Puff Adder.
 
Should you encounter a snake, steer clear and immediately contact the SPCA Inspectorate division on 021 700 4158/59 or after hours 083 326 1604. Alternatively contact a registered snake catcher.
 
Remember:

• Never try to pick a snake up (alive or dead). Some can pretend to be dead and even a dead snake can inflict a potentially fatal bite for up to 30 minutes after death!
• Never try to hit it with a stick! That will just provoke it and force it to try to defend itself.
• If children or pets are present, get them to leave the area and lock up your dogs and cats.
• Keep an eye on the snake to ensure that you know exactly where it is when the snake catcher arrives. If you were unable to get professional assistance, try spraying it with water from a safe distance.

Some snakes you may encounter during summer

The non-venomous Rhombic Egg Eater is grey and brown with chevron markings. When threatened, this snake will move into a horse shoe shape and will rub its scales to produce a hissing noise. It will open its mouth and flatten its head. The inside of the Rhombic Egg Eater's mouth is black and it has no teeth.
 
The non-venomous Mole snake is heavy bodied and strong and is variable in colour (black, grey, brown, green tint). Juveniles are patterned whilst adults have uniform colour. The Mole snake does not spread its hood but can rear up.

The non-venomous Olive House Snake has a green upper body and pearl white underbelly with no markings.

The venomous Puff Adder is short and stout with a diamond shaped head. It is black and yellow or brown and yellow in colour with chevron markings.
 
The venomous Cape Cobra is variable in colour (brown to yellow), either plain or speckled with darker markings. Generally spreads a hood when threatened.
 
The Herald snake is usually found near water. It has a black or red lip, green upper body with a white underbelly and white flecks down its back.

To report misconduct against our wildlife call us on 021 700 4158/4159, or in emergencies call 083 326 1604