Cape Town’s cobra conundrum: Tyrone Ping offers reassurance amid the slithery surge
On February 19, yet another snake was spotted in Cape Town, sending shivers down the spines of locals.
As if we haven’t seen enough reports of snakes with double heads and those bizarre stare-off contests with dogs.
Just weeks after a Cape cobra slithered its way out of a drain on Glengariff Road in Sea Point, another one made a grand entrance on the balcony of an apartment building.
This highly venomous snake was found lounging like it was on a tropical holiday.
Tyrone Ping, the well-known snake handler and founder of the popular YouTube channel "Reptiles of South Africa," has safely relocated the snake back to the mountain.
Known as a herpetologist and an author who writes extensively on snakes and reptiles, Ping shared some valuable insights about these slithery creatures.
“This is completely normal for this time of the year, and it happens every year from around October through April,” Ping explained, putting minds at ease.
He emphasised that the increase in sightings isn’t something to be alarmed about, as it's simply part of the seasonal rhythm.
“Since the beginning of the year, I’ve removed 27 snakes from houses and properties in and around the city. And that’s just the areas I service, from the City Bowl all the way to the Atlantic Seaboard.”
With this in mind, Ping offered some practical advice for anyone who might encounter a snake on their property.
“If you spot a snake, keep an eye on it. Make sure to watch where it’s going, whether it’s under a cupboard or fridge, or behind a pot plant. You need to know where it is,” he advised.
Once you've tracked its movements, the next step is to contact a professional snake catcher.
Ping also pointed out that weather plays a significant role in snake activity.
“Typically, snake activity peaks just before we experience bad weather. If we have really windy or cool weather, you’ll see more snakes out and about, leading to an uptick in sightings across the city.”
It’s essential to remember that while Cape cobras are venomous and can pose a danger, Ping reassured us that there haven’t been many bites reported in the city.
A bite from one of these highly toxic snakes can lead to a medical emergency, but the good news is that most locals can go about their lives without fear.