Content of Courses
- Snake Awareness: This course is on dangerous and common harmless snakes of Southern Africa
- Reptile Awareness: This course covers all of the major reptile groups in Southern Africa
- Snake handling: This course starts off with a presentation on dangerous and common harmless snakes of Southern Africa, followed by a practical session during which safe handling techniques are taught. It does not include the 'necking' of venomous snakes, nor does it include the handling of Black Mambas
- First aid for Snake Bites: Dangerous snakes of Southern Africa are discussed, followed by the latest techniques in first aid treatment for snake bites
First Aid (that could save your life!)
The only spitting snakes found in South Africa are the Mozambique Spitting Cobra and the Rinkhals. Such snakes do not literally spit their venom, but their fangs are designed to shoot venom out at their enemies. They spray venom into the eyes when they feel threatened or cornered, especially when an eagle, dog or human tries to attack them. The first thing to do when a snake has spat venom into your eyes is to wash it out with liquid. Use as much liquid as possible to get the venom out. Water is preferable, but you can use any other liquid such as a cold drink and even urine! Although milk can also work, there are cases where the milk caused an infection in the eye afterwards. Do not under any circumstances rub your eyes. The venom immediately forms crystals on your eyeballs, and rubbing them will cause these crystals to cut into your eyes and cause permanent damage. If the crystals come into contact with liquid, they will dissolve.
Click here to return to the Home Page