Teenager rescued after rare Berg Adder bite during Cederberg hike

A teenager has been hoisted from the Cederberg on Friday morning after a rare bite from a small Berg Adder during a school hike — a rescue made possible by quick thinking, solid planning and a Garmin InReach SOS.

The group was hiking from Kromrivier toward Sneeuberg when the learner was bitten on the hand while tying his shoelaces. His fellow hikers reacted immediately, photographing the snake for identification and activating their Garmin emergency beacon.

A Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service helicopter was sent to the remote area, and the scholar was airlifted to Cape Town for medical treatment.

WSAR spokesperson David Nel said the rescue highlighted how vital preparation is in the mountains. “This incident shows the importance of reliable communication and tracking when venturing into remote wilderness areas. The group’s quick actions and the use of the Garmin InReach undoubtedly made a significant difference in ensuring a rapid response,” he said.

Berg Adders are small, well-camouflaged vipers that blend into the Cederberg’s lichen-covered rocks and fynbos. They typically have bold dark grey or brown half-moon or block-shaped markings along the back, each edged with a thin pale border that breaks up the snake’s outline. Their muted grey colouring makes them extremely difficult to spot until you’re close.

While Berg Adder bites are rare, the Western Cape’s wider snake season brings other risks. A Cape Cobra recently spat venom into a Malmesbury security guard’s eye, and a puff adder gave a “dry bite” to a 15-year-old boy. Both survived, but the incidents underline how unpredictable encounters can be.

Snake season runs from September to April, with activity peaking in summer. Experts emphasise simple precautions: keep a safe distance of 3–5 metres if you see a snake, and never attempt to catch or kill it. Photograph it only if safe, and call a professional handler if it’s on your property.

If someone is bitten, move them away from the snake, keep them calm and remove any tight clothing or jewellery. Get them to a hospital immediately. Cutting the wound, sucking venom, squeezing the bite site, using a tourniquet or trying home remedies can worsen the injury.

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Cape Argus