Bigger, slitherier and stronger

An African rock python has been released into the wild after nine months of recovery.

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Durban - What was a frail and skinny African rock python when it was discovered in a Kloof resident’s swimming pool nine months ago, was returned to the wild on Wednesday – bigger, slitherier, stronger and healthier after an amazing recovery from near death.

The snake was kept at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), based at uShaka Marine World, where vets said it was close to death when it arrived.

Carl Schloms, senior herpetologist at the research centre, said they did not think the 2.5m snake would survive.

“We didn’t think it would make it, but it started getting better and eating,” he said.

The python, believed to be about 4 years old, was fed two to three rats every seven days and gained more than 2kg in its time in quarantine.

It was monitored by a team of vets headed by Dr Caryl Knox, who conducted a check-up, dewormed it and drew blood samples.

In the wild, however, the python – which Schloms described as an “opportunistic feeder” – would dine mostly on rats, dassies and birds.

Schloms said snakes were a protected species in South Africa, and although they were not scarce, they were wanted for muti and illegal pet trading.

Reflecting on their time with the slithery reptile, he said: “It’s really amazing to see it go back to the wild because we never thought it would make it. When it came here, it had little movement and now it’s gained so much strength.

“It’s a real success story and we feel it was ready to be set free,” Schloms said.

As the team from the SAAMBR released the near 5kg snake on rocks at Kloof Gorge, it slithered away slowly into the wild – almost as if to say, “it’s good to be home”.

Schloms advised residents that it was best to call professional snake catchers and to never attempt to hold one because some were venomous.

“Get in touch with a snake catcher immediately and if you do not know what type of snake it is, do not try to pick it up, irrespective of size.

“In the greater Durban area, there’s a small, brownish snake about 20-30cm, called the stiletto. Many people think they can pick it up, but it’s got a toxic and painful bite,” he said.

“You could even lose a finger,” he said.

Schloms advised to close doors and windows if the snake was indoors, so professionals could handle the situation.

Daily News