A rare and elusive mole snake was recently rescued from a warehouse in Cato Ridge, South Africa. The snake, estimated to be 1.1 metres long, was trapped in a corner of a fence, with gaps too small for its large body to squeeze through. Staff had kept their distance and watched the snake while waiting for the snake catcher to arrive. The snake catcher, Nick Evans, was called to the scene after a photograph of the snake was sent to him, revealing it was a mole snake.
This was the second time Evans had encountered the elusive species, but his first time rescuing one. His previous encounter was while hiking in the Southern Drakensberg, where he vividly remembered the snake hissing and striking repeatedly. Evans said that for snake rescuers in other provinces, especially in the Western Cape, mole snakes are common. However, they are not commonly encountered in every part of the country.
Evans used a snake hook to bring the mole snake out from the fence before attempting to secure it. The snake repeatedly hissed and lunged at him as he tried to grasp its tail. Evans described the snake as a beautiful adult specimen, brown on top with bright orange colouring along its sides. He was excited to have encountered the snake, saying it was one of his favourite calls of the year.
According to the African Snakebite Institute, mole snakes are widespread across much of southern Africa but are not commonly encountered in every part of the country. They spend much of their time underground, searching for mole-rats and other rodents, which helps explain why they can be difficult to spot. This behaviour also makes them hard to rescue.
Mole snakes are non-venomous but have sharp teeth and can inflict serious bites that may require stitches. Evans said that the snake's defensive behaviour was understandable, given that it was absolutely terrified. He explained that mole snakes bite and twist, and males do this to each other during mating season.
The mole snake was eventually secured in a bucket and removed from the warehouse. Evans thanked the warehouse staff for calling him to remove the snake. The incident highlights the importance of having trained professionals to handle snake rescues, especially when dealing with elusive and potentially defensive species.
The rescue of the mole snake from the Cato Ridge warehouse serves as a reminder of the importance of coexisting with wildlife. By having a trained snake catcher on standby, the warehouse staff were able to safely remove the snake without harming it or themselves. This incident also showcases the valuable work that snake catchers like Nick Evans do in ensuring public safety and protecting both humans and animals.
Key points
- The mole snake was estimated to be 1.1 metres long and had bright orange colouring along its sides.
- Mole snakes are non-venomous but have sharp teeth and can inflict serious bites that may require stitches.
- This was the first time Nick Evans had rescued a mole snake, despite having encountered the species before while hiking.
