As summer temperatures rise across Bloemfontein, our local wildlife—including snakes—becomes much more active. The period from September through April is peak snake season in our area.

After winter, snakes are out looking for food, water, and mates. With our gardens flourishing and occasional summer downpours, it’s common for them to venture out or seek shelter closer to homes.

Emergency resources

Snakebite Flipcard.pdf

Snakebite emergency contact numbers:

Tygerberg Poison Control Centre 086 155 5777
Prof A Engelbrecht 084 789 7364
Prof T Hardcastle 082 468 1615
Dr S Garach 082 495 0135
Dr C Bell 073 174 0199
Dr V Lalloo 082 700 2732
Mande Toubkin 082 820 7914
Jason Seale 082 781 8498
Arno Naude 083 739 9303
Mike Perry 083 448 8854
Chris Hobkirk 082 372 3350
Johan Marais 082 494 2039

Download the African Snakebite Institute APP for free

What You Need to Know & How to Stay Safe:

• Keep Gardens Tidy: Trim long grass, clear away heaps of garden refuse, wood piles, and building rubble where rodents (and therefore snakes) like to hide.

• Watch Where You Step: Be cautious when walking in the garden or along pathways in the veld, especially during the early mornings and late afternoons. Always use a torch if walking outside at night.

• Keep Pets Safe: Dogs and cats are naturally curious and are most frequently bitten when investigating snakes. Keep pet food secured so it doesn’t attract rodents.
• Common Local Species: Keep a lookout for species like the Puff Adder (which relies on camouflage and won’t always move away), Cape Cobras, and Rinkhals.

What to Do If You Spot a Snake:

1. Give it space: Do not try to catch, kill, or handle the snake. Most bites happen when people attempt to interact with them.
2. Keep an eye on it: If safe to do so from a distance, track where it moves so you can guide the handler.
3. Call a professional: Keep local snake catchers’ contact details handy.

Let’s keep our neighborhood safe for both residents and local wildlife!

For Bloemfontein Snake removals call:

Ross du Plessis 072 495 9164
Jeandre Kruger 071 536 3403
Lisa Zondagh 082 382 7565
Hanri van Wyk 060 884 2735
Emmylou Kotze 071 288 5697
Jeandre Swarts 079 182 4562
Jade Hastings 078 886 3664
Janco Rossouw 061 547 7646
Brett Sharp 073 424 1384
Zerwick Schwab 083 406 9305
Theuns La Grange 082 313 2400
Herman Van Rensburg 071 613 7068
Stephan Fourie 084 400 4430
Trevor Dale 082 304 8914
Saayman Rossouw 082 617 3582
Bianca Cronje 083 957 7284
Hennie van der Walt 079 487 0477 (Bultfontein)