Snake alert in KZN as weather warms up
With the summer season already upon us, experts are urging communities to be careful as people are more likely to encounter snakes.
An 8-year-old boy was yesterday bitten by a snake thought to be a green mamba while herding cattle at a farm in Weenen, near Estcourt.
KZN Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene within minutes and rushed the boy to hospital where he received the necessary treatment.
Expert Johan Marais says although most snake bite cases occur between January and April people need to be careful.
''There are a number of accidents we've had at least a half a dozen in the last week. If anyone encounters these snakes, just try and get away from it.
''Snakes don't chase people that's a myth, actually there is no snake that would chase after anyone. So if you're 4/5 metres away from any snake in any situation - you're perfectly safe.
''In the event of a bite, get the person to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible,'' he said.
(File photo: Wikipedia)