LISTEN: Why you should NOT be too scared of snakes
Did you know that bees kill more people than snakes in South Africa?
Zweli Mbhele, Noluthando Ngeno and Johan Marais with a household snake. Photo: 947
What began as a story about how Zweli refused to visit a friend with a snake pet has now turned into a quest to overcome his fear of the reptile.
He chats to herpetologist and author Johan Marais on 947 Afternoons.
Listen below.
People naturally fear snakes, but there is a lot to learn about them, says Marais.
South Africa’s warm climate is particularly welcoming to snakes so expect to see more in summer.
“... most snake bites in South Africa happen from about November until April.”
– Johan Marais, herpetologist
Among the myths and misconceptions surrounding snakes are that they chase people.
If you are five paces away from any snake, you are safe, even from a Black Mamba.
“In the whole world, the Black Mamba is one of the most dangerous snakes, but it’s not an aggressive snake. It does not chase people… It has a very, very potent venom that if you have been bitten you can die in less than an hour. The venom stops your breathing... but if you are five paces away you will be safe."
– Johan Marais, herpetologist
“There are all these myths and misconceptions and that’s why I have spent most of my life writing these books to try and educate people and inform them more about snakes. A snake’s venom is designed to kill prey; that’s the sole purpose… It has nothing to do with humans. Snakes only bite out of desperation.”
– Johan Marais, herpetologist
Fun fact: more people die of bee stings than snake bites, says Marais.
In the greater Durban area, more than 100 Black Mambas were removed from people’s gardens and houses, but no bites were reported.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion (skip to 8:08 to hear Zweli conquer his fear).