Experts have warned that snakes could be heading for the suburbs in the wake of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Cape Town's south peninsula.

But there is no need to panic. "If you see a snake, try to get away," is the advice from snake expert Arno Naude.

"If you are more than two body lengths away from the snake, walk around it. If you are closer than that, freeze and try to determine in which direction the snake is moving. Go in the opposite direction. If the snake is approaching, a quick exit is safer."

Naude pointed out that snake venom can kill you by causing the muscles to stop functioning, which causes paralysis and suffocation. “It can possibly cause the body to go into shock and the organs to shut down. It can also, in some cases, cause you to bleed uncontrollably, which will cause your death.”

Naude offered three tips for people involved in snake bites:

1) Do not wash or cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
2) Do not use home remedies. No ice, heat packs or electrical shocks should be used. Alcohol and aspirin should be avoided.
3) Tying a tourniquet around the bitten limb is a recipe for disaster in most instances.

Naude gave Health24 a brief description of lethal and dangerous snakes that you should know about.

The Puff Adder is a short squat snake with rough scales and has a series of V markings pointing towards the tail. "They make a loud hiss when disturbed," said Naude. They occur through almost the entire South Africa. (Image supplied by Arno Naude)

https://m.health24.com/Medical/First-aid/Safety-first/Can-you-identify-these-12-dangerous-snakes-20150311

The Gaboon Adder only occurs in a tiny portion of Zululand. It has a leaf like pattern on the back and is well camouflaged. It does not bite readily, but when it does this is a medical emergency, warns Naude. (Image supplied by Arno Naude)

The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is a grayish black colour with a nut coloured head and pink or salmon underneath. Naude said they can "spit" from a prone position too. (Image supplied by Arno Naude)

chai..my body dey do mi yiri-yiri..

Abeg which one is edible

dkronicle:
Abeg which one is edible

i think lalasticlala will know better cos to him every scaly animal is always edible.