Dennis Ndlovu I Zim GBC News<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the rainy season drives snakes into residential areas, a Zimbabwean snake catcher is warning residents that attempting to kill or catch the reptiles is the primary cause of bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ahmed Mohamed Esat urges calm and proactive property management to safely coexist with, rather than fight, the snakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said physically attempting to catch or kill a snake significantly increases the risk of being bitten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPhysically interacting with snakes, either in attempt to catch or kill, significantly increases your chance of being bitten,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that contrary to popular belief, snakes do not attack people unless they feel they have no escape route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSnakes will not attack you unless they cannot find an alternative escape route or course of action; bites are always the last resort on the part of the snake,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Esat said most snake bites are linked to human activity, including attempts to chase, kill or disturb the animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMostly human activities are the main cause of snake bites,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He advised that if a person sees a snake, they should remain still or slowly back away while keeping sight of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you can see the snake, stand still or back away slowly , keeping an eye on where the snake goes; panic is not useful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you see a snake, observe and shout out for help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the rainy season, snakes are more likely to seek shelter in residential areas, he said, as their natural habitats become waterlogged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMost of the time snakes come to people\u2019s habitats to seek shelter, especially during the rainy season where their shelter will be wet,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that snakes sometimes enter homes while chasing prey such as rats or frogs. Poor waste management and the presence of rodents can indirectly attract snakes to residential areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSnakes sometimes come to houses chasing rats or frogs. If you have rodents, they attract insects and other small animals, which can in turn attract snakes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that snakes are often found in brick piles stacked in yards and in trees close to houses. Residents are advised to clear such areas and cut overhanging trees to reduce the likelihood of encounters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a snake is suspected to be living in or around a home, Mr Esat said it may be attracted by rodents drawn to food waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you are concerned that they have taken up residence in your house, it is likely because of a large resident rodent population attracted to food and refuse,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He advised residents to contact a qualified professional to remove the snake and to improve sanitation to deter rodents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the event of a bite, he urged people not to attempt home remedies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen bitten by a snake, use just running water to wash the bite and make sure you immediately seek medical attention,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also recommended taking a photograph of the snake, if it is safe to do so, to assist medical staff with identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He identified puff adders as among the most common snakes involved in bites, describing them as less likely to move away when approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPuff adders are common. They are lazy and stubborn, they don\u2019t run,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Esat said his approach is to relocate rather than kill the animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t kill the snake. I catch the snakes and put them back in places where people don\u2019t usually go,\u201d he said, citing areas such as Matobo National Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said greater awareness, improved sanitation and caution could significantly reduce snake bite incidents across communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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