Hi from Cape Agulhas

[SteveZi]

I live in Struisbaai - we have our fair share of snakes around here. Sadly, a lot of snakes are often killed when they cross paths with their human neighbours...
I was thinking of starting a catch & release service down here.
Any advice from those in the know would be appreciated!
thx

[Ruan Stander]

Welcome to the forum.
That is an unfortunate commonality, yes.
It is advisable to attend a snake awareness and removal/handling course.
You have to technically also apply for a catch and release permit from your local conservation authority. That to me is a technicality and money making scheme though.

[reptile]

Welcome!
Please don't let the permit thing frighten you off! It might be timely, and costly but I think its very worth while. It is definiately advisable to take the courses mentioned above, especially one that includes handling venomous snakes.
Reptile

[Kuro]

Catch and Release permits do not cost a thing. Just contact your local nature conservation

[SteveZi]

Thanks for the replies guys.
I would like to attend a course - will have to find out what's offered locally.
What about protective gear like gloves, leggings, etc. and how effective would these be against, say, a Cape Cobra?

[Ruan Stander]

If you have a sound mind and healthy respect for snakes as well as an understanding of their behaviour, then you would not need gloves or anything other than a hookstick and/or tongs to safely relocate them.

[SteveZi]

I came across a male puffadder yesterday and managed to handle it pretty easily with a homemade hookstick. it's the niveas I'm more concerned about.

poffie1.jpg

[Westley Price]

Hi Steve

Welcome to the forum.

You must keep an eye open, there is a very cool species of dwarf adder called Bitis armata that occur where you are.

They are quite rare and would be super cool if you shared some photos with us.

[SteveZi]

Hi Westley,
yes I know about B armata, I've seen one as roadkill recently. I have searched around for one, but have yet to find one, although a guy I know that lives on a smallholding close to town, have seen quite a few and even had one in his shoe one morning!
I will post pics if I find one.

[Ruan Stander]

That's a very pretty puff adder.
Man alive, the day I can wake up to find an armata in my shoe.. Now that would be a good day