Local snakecatcher Dawie Griesel in seen releasing the mole snake. Picture: Danie van der Lith
LOCAL snake catcher and FF+ ward councillor Dawie Griesel found himself in an unusual situation on Thursday when he was called to the Premier's Office in Kimberley to handle a snake that had slithered into a vehicle.
When Griesel arrived, he was met by a crowd of onlookers, curious to catch a glimpse of the snake and watch the capture unfold.
After inspecting the scene, Griesel identified the snake as a mole snake. While not venomous, mole snakes can deliver a painful bite if threatened, making it essential to handle them with care.
The elusive snake had found refuge in the engine bay of a bakkie, cleverly tucking itself between the radiator and radiator fan - a warm, safe spot. Griesel, using his tools, tried to coax the snake out, but the mole snake had no intention of leaving its hiding place.
After a few attempts to agitate the snake from above, Griesel changed tactics and slid under the vehicle. Grabbing the snake's tail, a brief struggle ensued as the snake tried to resist. After several minutes of back-and-forth, the snake finally relented and dropped to the ground.
With swift precision, Griesel captured the snake and placed it in a plastic drum for safety, drawing cheers from the Premier’s Office staff, who had gathered to watch the scene. The excitement of the successful capture brought some light-hearted relief to the day.
Griesel later drove out of Kimberley to release the snake back into its natural habitat, ensuring both the safety of the snake and the public.
Facts about the mole snake:
The mole snake (Pseudaspis cana) is a non-venomous species found throughout southern Africa. Although it poses no lethal danger to humans, it can deliver a painful bite when threatened. Mole snakes are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on rodents, moles (hence the name), and other small animals, making them helpful in controlling pest populations. These snakes can grow up to two metres in length and are usually brown, black, or grey. While their bites are painful, they are not venomous, making them harmless in most encounters if handled with care.