Snake expert shares insights after N2 python sighting

Nick Evans had been sharing his insights after motorists reported the sighting of a python - approximately 4-metres long - being carried on a pole by a group of men on Sunday on the N2, south of Amanzimtoti. 

Evans, who specialises in capturing and relocating snakes, says although the circumstances around the incident are unknown, the reptile should have rather been left in its natural habitat. 

Also read: Giant snake turns heads on the N2 near Umgababa

Having gone viral online and receiving mixed reaction on social media, he says the incident is a lesson for future encounters. 

In an email sent to Newswatch, Evan has shared more of his expert knowledge on snakes. Read the full text below. 

A lot of people are scared of snakes. Yes, some snakes have a bite which can be lethal, but we don't actually have to live in fear of them and hate them. They're very misunderstood animals. This is largely because of myths and beliefs that get passed on from generation to generation, most of which are not true. Movies such as 'Anaconda' or 'Snakes on a Plane' (which are a load of rubbish) don't help the snakes cause either. There are even some inaccurate and over-exaggerated  documentaries about snakes, which send out the wrong message.

Our fear of snakes is mostly irrational. Contrary to popular belief, snakes are a lot more scared of us than we are of them. They do not want to harm us. They're terrified of people, and rightly so! They will always rather flee than defend themselves. Snakes only bite when they feel like their life is in danger and escape is not an option. Some people may not believe that, but that's a fact! The same applies to the infamous Black Mamba, they are no different to other snakes in their fear of humans.

If one sees a snake, any snake, leave it alone and call for help. Attempting to catch or kill a snake puts ones self at risk.

Some people hate and kill snakes, because they are worried for the sake of their pets/livestock. This is Africa, we need to realise that we live in a land where there are animals that would love to snack on our captive animals. We are on wildlife territory, so there will always be some risk to our pets/livestock. Yes, our animals that we keep cost money, and to lose one can be devastating financially, particularly in rural areas. This still does not mean we should go and kill every snake or potential threat to our animals. We need to remember that these wild animals were here first, and that they are here for a reason, and a good one at that.

People may ask, "Why shouldn't I kill a snake?" Why are they important in the environment?".

Well, here's one good reason: Snakes are nature's free pest control for us. They take care of your rat problem, free of charge. None of us want rats around the house, so a snake such as the harmless Brown House Snake is an excellent animal to have around the home.

Snakes play an important role in the food chain, by keeping certain animal numbers in check. We cannot have too many of a particular animal, as this will cause the foodchain to collapse, and there goes the whole ecosystem around us. Snakes feed on rodents, birds, lizards, frogs and a few other small animals, keeping the populations stable.

Snakes have predators of their own too. Birds, mongoose and more keep their numbers in check, but their numbers are being decimated by habitat destruction, senseless killing and domestic/ferral cats.

The python on a pole 

Now, onto the python that was killed....

The python species in question is a Southern African Python (Previously known as the Rock Python). It is a protected species, so killing it is illegal. It is the same as poaching a rhino. In fact, one is not legally allowed to catch it either, without permission from KZN Wildlife.

It is the largest snake species in South Africa, with adults reaching lengths of over 4-metres. You rarely see such large snakes near suburbia, because they are so often killed.

It is a non-venomous species, and will not bite someone unless provoked. If one does go near a python, it will strike out, and a bite can be very painful as they have rows of teeth. They, like all snakes, are best left alone.

They are illegally killed for their skin, for muthi and out of fear. They do not hunt down people! There are many animals on their menu, such as antelope, cane rats, hares, monitor lizards, sometimes even crocodiles, and of course, livestock. Livestock are usually pickings for these large constrictors. Also, natural python food is becoming increasingly scarce in some parts, which is also why they are drawn to livestock. Another factor is habitat destruction, which is affecting all wildlife. So please try and understand, the pythons aren't eating livestock out of spite, they're hungry too!

The reason why this snake was killed is still unclear.  To some people who come from rural areas this may sound silly, but instead of killing they should really call for help. Having a snake-catchers number is very useful, but if not you can call the SAPS or KZN Wildlife, they could potentially help. It may not be so easy to get help in those areas, but if you don't try and ask you won't receive.

We cannot keep on killing off all our native wildlife. They are a part of Africa. Us humans will have nothing left to kill in the near future at this rate, and that means the whole ecosystem will have collapsed, and the environment will be a mess. If we keep killing off snakes, we will be heavily infested with house rats and more. 

Wildlife numbers and the environment is already under sever pressure. Conservation is crucial now, more so than ever. Remember, there is a reason why these animals are here. They are all key links in the food chain, and all have roles to play, which maintains a healthy ecosystem. More and more species, all over the world, are becoming endangered or extinct. We need to start caring for this planet that we're on, and for all the wildlife on it, before it is too late. We need to co-exist with nature.

(Photo: Yolandi Pearce)