{"id":288,"date":"2020-04-20T09:55:16","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T09:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/visitbuffalocity.co.za\/?page_id=288"},"modified":"2020-12-15T17:54:17","modified_gmt":"2020-12-15T17:54:17","slug":"our-blog-and-news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visitbuffalocity.co.za\/?page_id=288","title":{"rendered":"Our Blog and News"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

9 November 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sssnakesss<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Ranger Tammy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hello everyone and welcome back to another blog!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is my hope that by the end of this article I will have persuaded or changed a few minds on the way snakes are perceived. Even if you strongly believe that you will never be fond of these strange-looking reptiles, perhaps you will learn a few interesting facts about them as you read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If some of you prefer to give this article a pass, I totally understand! Keep an eye out for my next blog!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that the earliest fossils of snake\u2019s date back to around 80 million years ago? Crazy right!?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reptiles in general are commonly looked upon as repulsive creatures. This is mostly due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Spotted Bush Snake – A Harmless Constrictor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Most of what we know about snakes is nothing more than fallacies passed on through the generations as old wives\u2019 tales, and scary stories told around the campfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all snakes are venomous, in fact, only 16 of the 151 species of snakes found in South Africa are regarded as dangerous and potentially fatal to man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, before you start panicking, very few people ever have the privilege of having a face to face encounter with a snake in its natural habitat. Usually snakes slip away before you even notice them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A Spotted Bush Snake hiding amongst the rocks.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The only time a snake will ever try to bite you is if you are threatening it, if you accidentally step on it or if you handle the snake incorrectly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apparently, you have a greater chance of being struck by lightning whilst walking in the bush than being bitten by a snake! Which I totally agree with. Snakes are an extremely rare sighting on any safari, and you should consider yourself incredibly lucky if you see one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back in 2014 when I was in college studying Game Ranging, Wildlife Management and Lodge Management I went a step further and did an extra course in the capture, handling, and relocation of venomous snakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! On the day of the assessment, we were indoors, studying and completing the theoretical exam for the duration of the morning. Then, whilst we all had lunch our assessors prepped for our practical training which we were to begin straight after lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now I must be honest. When you are mentally preparing yourself to handle a Puff Adder, Snouted Cobra, Boomslang and Black Mamba, you don\u2019t have a huge appetite!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The snakes that we were going to train with were caught in the morning whilst we were busy with the theoretical part of our training. This was done to make sure that we were trained on how to handle snakes that were not used to being handled daily, like those you would find in a Reptile Park, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Listening intently to our safety briefing!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Standing in a semi-circle around our assessor, Chris Hobkirk, owner of Lowveld Venom Suppliers, we all listened intently to all the safety precautions again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Stay calm<\/li>
  • No loud noises<\/li>
  • Approach the snake from behind<\/li>
  • Handle the snake correctly, firmly, but gently<\/li>
  • NEVER run, snakes respond to movement<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Remember, never try to confront, or handle any snake if you are not a trained professional!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The first snake up was a gorgeous Puff Adder (Bitis arietans), a little over 1 metre long. Our practical assessment required us to safely pick up the snake and place it in a container in which it could be safely transported to an area of the bush, far away from people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
    • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
    • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>
      A gorgeous Puff Adder!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      For this we used a snake hook. Which is basically a long, thin metal rod with an L-shape at the end that you can use to lift and move a snake. This is one of the best tools to use when moving a Puff Adder as they are very heavy snakes and lifting them with a snake hook is a quick and painless method to get them into a container or snake tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"
      A safety briefing on handling a Puff Adder first!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      When working with a Puff Adder you always need to be sure to keep a sufficient distance between you and the snake as it can strike up to twice its body length – and in any direction, I might add!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
      • \"\"
        Always use a snake hook with a Puff Adder<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
      • \"\"
        Easy does it!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        With a Cytotoxic or cell-destroying venom which attacks tissue and blood cells they will inject venom into their prey with hinged-front fangs, this is not a snake you want to be bitten by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        When my turn came to handle the Puff Adder, I found it surprisingly easy and noticed that my calm and slow approach to the snake resulted in the Puff Adder not being bothered at all by me lifting it up with the snake hook and gently placing it in the container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \"\"
        Keep a safe distance away!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        A sigh of relief that everything went so smoothly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Next up was a stunning Snouted Cobra (Naja annulifera), about 1 and a half meters long. With this snake we were required to use snake tongs, this is arguably the safest piece of equipment any snake handler could have in their bag. These tongs are available in a variety of different lengths \u2013 one meter long being the most popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \"\"
        A safety briefing of handling a Snouted Cobra<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        The snake tongs enable the user to handle most species of snakes gently and safely. Grabbing the snake one third of its body length from its head with the snake tongs prevents the snake from being able to turn around and bite you if it feels agitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \"\"
        Carefully handling a Snouted Cobra<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Working with a Cobra in general is remarkably interesting as they will display their hood when agitated and ready to strike. You will notice in the photograph that the Snouted Cobra that I was handling was not agitated at all and therefore never raised its hood whilst I was handling it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In one of the photos of me handling the Snouted Cobra, I am merely holding the end of its tail at arm\u2019s length. Dangerous? Well, yes if you are not trained to do it correctly. Cobras are not strong enough to lift themselves and strike you if they are being held the way I was holding it. Should they begin to lift slightly, a gentle shake leaves them hanging again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Snouted Cobras have a Neurotoxic Venom that they inject into their prey with fixed front fangs, this affects the nervous system. Neurotoxic venom is absorbed rapidly and paralyses the nerves, especially the ones used for breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        • \"\"
          Carefully handling the tail.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
        • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          After safely putting the Snouted Cobra in a secure container, it was time to handle a beautiful female Boomslang! (Dispholidus typus) She was just over a meter and a half long and was perfectly content at being handled, as long as you held her nice and high where she felt safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n\n
          \"\"
          A safety briefing on handling a Boomslang<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          Boomslang in general are an incredibly relaxed species of snake. Bites from a Boomslang are a rare occurrence as they prefer to quickly move off undetected if they spot someone nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n\n
          • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
          • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
          • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>
            A very calm Female Boomslang with a calm handler!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            A common misconception of Boomslang is that they can only bite a person on their finger or toe as they can\u2019t open their mouths very wide. This is 100% not true! Boomslang can easily open their mouths up to 180 degrees! This is an adaptation for catching birds in flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Boomslang have a Haemotoxic Venom which they \u2018pump\u2019 into their prey with a chewing motion through their fangs which are located at the back of their mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Haemotoxic venom causes severe internal bleeding and is the slowest acting venom type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Due to their elusive nature, Boomslang are a rare sight to see out in the African Bush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n
            \"\"
            A stunning male Boomslang that was relocated from a home to the Game Reserve<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            After handling the Boomslang, our basic training was complete. We did however have an option to do an advanced course in handling a Black Mamba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            This was naturally intimidating as a Black Mamba has a fearsome reputation. The Black Mamba which was caught for our training was a record size of 3,8 meters long! They can grow up to around 4,5 meters, however that is rare to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n
            • \"\"
              A Black Mamba gets its name from the black colouring inside its mouth. Stunning!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
            • \"\"
              A safety briefing of handling a Black Mamba<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
              <\/div>\n\n\n\n

              Despite their fearsome reputation there were a few of us willing to learn how to safely handle the snake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              We were pleasantly surprised that the Black Mamba did not live up to its bad reputation and was just as simple to handle as the previous ones we had dealt with. As with any snake, it just wanted to slither away to safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              This does not mean that as a snake handler you may be careless in any way, Black Mambas have an extremely potent Neurotoxic Venom which they inject into their prey with fixed front fangs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/div>\n\n\n\n
              • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
              • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
              • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>
                Carefully working with the Black Mamba<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                To elaborate a little more on venom\u2026 What exactly is it? In simple words, it is merely highly modified saliva produced by highly modified saliva glands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                • Venom must be injected into the circulatory system to cause harm.<\/li>
                • Poison must be ingested \/ swallowed to cause harm.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  There is many a case where snakes are incorrectly referred to as poisonous where they are in fact venomous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"
                  A comical picture to help you remember.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                  Should you ever be bitten by a venomous snake, which is highly unlikely, there are fortunately effective anti-venoms that can be administered if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  • Polyvalent Antivenom \u2013 Treats Neurotoxic and Cytotoxic bites<\/li>
                  • Monovalent Antivenom \u2013 Treats Haemotoxic bites<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    I have a great list of Dos and Dont\u2019s that I can share with you in the unlikely case of ever being bitten by a highly venomous snake \u2013 Credits to Chris Hobkirk of course for providing it to me in the study material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                    I think it is best we start with, DO NOT!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    • Do not try to cut into the bite site.<\/li>
                    • Do not try to suck out the venom. This is an old wives tale.<\/li>
                    • Do not rub anything onto the bite site. No matter what it is!<\/li>
                    • Do not apply a tourniquet. Only a handful of snake bites require this method as an absolute last resort.<\/li>
                    • Do not inject anything into the bite site. Not even anti-venom!<\/li>
                    • Do not apply ice to the bite site.<\/li>
                    • Killing the snake will not help cure your snake bite, it will only put you in harm\u2019s way for another bite should you try to kill it.<\/li>
                    • Do not try killing the snake to take it to the hospital. The doctors will know what to do based on your symptoms.<\/li>
                    • Do not use traditional healers, their methods are ineffective.<\/li>
                    • Do not administer anti-venom unless you are qualified to do so.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                      What you should DO is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      • Back away from the snake to prevent another bite.<\/li>
                      • Try and take note of distinctive markings and colour of the snake without going to look for it.<\/li>
                      • Keep the patient calm and discourage any movement as failing to do so will result in the venom distributing faster throughout the body.<\/li>
                      • Try to elevate the bitten limb \/ area if possible.<\/li>
                      • Expose the area of the bite by cutting away any tight clothing.<\/li>
                      • Remove all jewellery.<\/li>
                      • Carefully wipe any excess venom off the skin.<\/li>
                      • Cover the bite site with a sterile dressing (Remember no ointment!)<\/li>
                      • Make sure the patient is in a position to breathe easily.<\/li>
                      • Keep the patient warm and try to keep them on their side in case of vomiting.<\/li>
                      • In the case of a Neurotoxic bite (NOT BLACK MAMBA) you can apply a crepe bandage around the entire limb with the exception of the digits (fingers \/ toes). This will trap the venom in that particular site and prevent it from spreading.<\/li>
                      • In the case of a bite from a Black Mamba or a Cape Cobra where the venom moves quickly away from the bite site via your circulatory system, an arterial tourniquet may prove life-saving. If medical help is far away, the tourniquet needs to be released for a few seconds every thirty minutes. Keep in mind that when the tourniquet is removed the rapid onset of the venom effects may lead to respiratory arrest.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Hopefully none of you will ever need to practice these points. The chances are highly unlikely, but at least you will be prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"
                        A Night Adder spotted on the reserve.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                        Thank you again for reading another one of my blogs! And a huge shout out to everyone who has been leaving me lovely comments! I am flattered! Thank you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Remember to observe snakes at a distance, and download the ASI (African Snakebite Institute) App, it has a list of all snakes that would occur in your specific area and has a list of on call snake handlers to come out and remove snakes from your home should you ever need the assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                        Stay safe everyone and I look forward to sharing another blog with you soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Warm regards<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Ranger Tammy<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

                        9 October 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        A New Beginning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"
                        Ranger Tammy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                        Hello everyone and welcome back to another blog!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Last week in my \u201cTranquillity on the Estuary\u201d blog, I wrote about the rains that we were waiting for in anticipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Well, let me tell you, boy did it rain! Due to the severe flood warnings for the weekend we had to close the Lodge and all our Day Activities for the duration of the weekend as our rivers flooded too high to cross. We received over 85 millimetres of rain over the course of the weekend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        After the rivers had subsided enough to cross through with the Land Rovers, I grabbed my camera and took a drive through the reserve to see the beauty of the reserve after the rains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"
                        Fresh, green vegetation brings many insects!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                        This is one of the best times to go out and do a game drive as the rains wash away all the dust that settle on the trees, shrubs, and grass throughout the reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Animals love to eat the clean, moist vegetation which is why after the rains you have a high chance of seeing more animals than usual out on the open plains or close to the roads feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                        • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                        • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>
                          Male Impala enjoying the fresh, green grass.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                          I was most certainly not disappointed on my drive as within the first ten minutes of driving into the reserve, I already had a beautiful sighting of two male Impala enjoying some fresh green grass and not long after a large herd of Zebra and Blue Wildebeest walked past the vehicle also enjoying the fresh green grass. It\u2019s amazing how quickly the grass turns bright green just days after good rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                          • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                          • \"\"
                            Blue Wildebeest<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
                          • \"\"
                            Herd of Zebra<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
                          • \"\"
                            A stunning view of our Lodge in the background!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                            Doing some 4×4 driving winding through our indigenous forest and driving through a few river crossings, I was incredibly excited to have my first sighting of a tiny Little Sparrowhawk! I have never seen a bird of prey that is so small \u2013 about 20 centimetres long, head to tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                            • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                            • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>
                              Little Sparrowhawk!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                              <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                              I then continued my drive and drove up onto some more open plains where I was excited to see large herds of Blesbok, Impala and Waterbuck! A flock of Ostrich were feeding amongst the Blesbok and as I drove down the hill, I had a stunning sighting of some White Rhino lazing around in an open vlei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                              • \"\"
                                Blesbok & Ostrich<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
                              • \"\"
                                Young Blesbok<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
                              • \"\"
                                Female Impala<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
                              • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                              • \"\"
                                Male Ostrich<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
                              • \"\"
                                Waterbuck & Blesbok<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
                              • \"\"
                                You can’t see me!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li>
                              • \"\"
                                White Rhino Lazing around<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                                • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>
                                  I couldn’t resist capturing these close-ups!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                  Of course, even though I never had any guests with me, I couldn\u2019t resist going into the Lion Reserve to try and find the Lions. I drove around for about fifteen minutes until coming across them lazing around as per usual. I still wish I could sleep up to twenty hours a day as they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                  \"\"
                                  White Lions lazing around in the shade.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                  One of the Lionesses was grooming another member of the pride, I love watching this as they look so content whilst doing it. Lions are social cats and grooming one another strengthens their social bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                  \"\"
                                  Just look at that face!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                  A couple minutes after leaving the Lion reserve I had a magnificent sighting of two male Giraffe sparring! Male Giraffe will fight for breeding rights with females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                  • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                                  • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                                  • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                                  • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>
                                    Male Giraffe Sparring!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                    Not far off from the two male Giraffe was a female laying down and was busy ruminating. This is an extremely rare sighting as Giraffe don\u2019t lay down very often because of them being so vulnerable to predation when they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                    \"\"
                                    Female Giraffe Laying down!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                    I must have spent about half an hour watching the males spar with one another. Sightings like this are not ones you will see every day out on game drive. You need to be in the right place at the right time \u2013 which is exactly what makes a game drive so exciting \u2013 you never know what you might see!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                    • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                                    • \"\"<\/figure><\/li>
                                    • \"\"<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>
                                      I just couldn’t get enough!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n