As ‘snake season’ approaches, a snake rescuer shares some helpful info we should all keep in our back pockets.

South Africa (05 September 2025) – In South Africa, snake season generally runs from early spring through late summer. That’s roughly September to April, with the peak months being October to March when temperatures are warmer.

It’s at this time when organisations like the African Snakebite Institute start to see an uptick in removal requests, as we start to encounter snakes more frequently in homes, on roads, and in busier locations where there’s foot traffic.

They come out of burrows, rocks and termite mounds to enjoy the sun with the rest of us.

Snakes are typically more active during this time because they’re just coming out of winter brumation (a kind of hibernation) and the warm weather boosts their metabolism and activity levels. Food sources are also more abundant and it’s the breeding season for many species.

It’s their Dezemba.

As we gear up to face snake season, local snake rescuer Wild Marik shares some helpful advice we should all keep in our back pockets.

 

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Keep an eye out for snakes in the warmer months. If you do happen to encounter a snake on your property or somewhere it shouldn’t be, the African Snakebite Institute should be your first port of call. Their website has a tool that allows you to share your location and in return, it will share the contact details of snake catchers in your area for safe removal.

Always call on an expert, even if you suspect that it’s not a venomous species. Don’t attempt to kill a snake (ever, please). It puts you in a dangerous situation. Instead, keep a safe distance and call a professional to deal with it in the right way.

With an antivenom crisis hanging in the balance, it’s really important to stay informed about how to act when encountering a snake. They’re not the bad guys, and by following the right steps, nobody has to get hurt.

“Let’s hope we can foster a better connection between snakes and people in the near future,” says Wild Marik.

Sources: Linked above

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Three very brave security officers gave one giant python a new chance and kept a community out of fear’s way.

Canelands, KwaZulu-Natal (20 August 2025) – When Officers Nathi Ndaba, Thulani Blose, and Kumaran Marimuthu from Reaction Unit South Africa headed out to investigate a stolen car on Saturday, they didn’t expect to become snake rescuers instead.

But fate had a wild detour in mind. A 2.5-metre African Rock Python was spotted close to homes and businesses near an informal settlement.

Instead of panic, the officers stepped into action with courage that many of us would not be able to muster. They carefully captured the massive snake, making sure both residents and the python stayed safe. Realising the snake needed a proper home, they called in the experts at Ndlondlo Snake Park in Ballito, who quickly stepped in to assist with the safe relocation.

African Rock Pythons are the giants of our snake world. Sometimes growing up to 5 metres and weighing as much as 55 kg. Despite their size, they’re usually shy, spending their days hiding out on rocky outcrops, basking in the sun, or swimming in rivers and pools.

They’re not venomous, but they’re powerful constrictors with striking patterns that have given rise to plenty of myths and legends. Despite their reputation, they are protected in South Africa as a vulnerable species.

But being so close to people, and with their striking size and strength, can put them at risk from misunderstanding or fear. By safely relocating the python, Reaction Unit SA gave this particular snake a second chance, while also demonstrating what selfless community action for wildlife can look like.

So, hats off to the brave officers!

Sources: Linked above

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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A brave SAPS officer, who also happens to be a trained snake catcher, Captain Joanita Becker, calmly sprang into action after being notified about a highly venomous Cape Cobra spotted in Belmont SAPS Community Service.

Kimberly, South Africa (28 January 2025) – When panic and chaos broke out at the sight of a hair-raising snake that had managed to find its way to the Belmont SAPS Community Service (CSC), police officer and part-time snake catcher, Captain Joanita Becker didn’t hesitate to drop everything to lend a hand.

The love for keeping people safe and secure is the main reason why Captain Becker, a SAPS Porter pilot in the Northern Cape, trained as a registered snake catcher in Kimberley and surrounding areas.

On Sunday, 26 January, she immediately responded to the call of a highly venomous Cape Cobra spotted at the Belmont police station.

To the surprise of onlookers, Becker not only captured the elusive Cape Cobra but also discovered and safely removed a Puff Adder lurking just outside the police station, too!

According to the SAPS, it took Captain Becker 20 minutes to trace and catch the Cape Cobra while it was hiding in a filing cabinet in the police station.

Captain Becker completed her level 1 and 2 snake catchers’ course between 2019 and 2022 in Kimberley through the African Snake Bite Institute. She is trained to identify, catch and release a snake into its natural habitat. So snake enthusiasts can rest assured that no serpents were harmed (or cuffed) during the safe and swift removal.

The skilled pilot is also trained to administer first aid to snake bite victims, as both the Cape Cobra and Puff Adder are among the most venomous snakes in Africa.

Thankfully, though, no one was injured in this incident, and both snakes were safely captured and released back into their natural habitat!

Sources: South African Police Service

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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