Snakes - Table Mountain

[Oneman]

My first post. Hello everyone.

 

Snakes on Table Mountain. In the past two weeks I've had encounters with a puff adder and a Cape cobra. I also cycled past Tim Noakes as he was out for a jog, but that's a different story.

 

I met the puff adder going downhill at some speed. As I rounded a bend I saw the thing stretched out in the middle of the gravel track. There was plenty space on the right to pass - this guy obviously reads up on mountain bike etiquette.

 

The Cape cobra was slightly more alarming. I was pumping away on the gruelling, gravelly misery of a hill called Plum Pudding (I think that's what it's called). In my granny gear, just looking down at my front wheel, travelling at most 7 km/h. Crawling. A hissing sound made me look up, and there to my left a Cape Cobra stood slightly raised, not more than 1.5 m away. Too close for comfort on a road ride, and too close for comfort on the mountain. I said a couple of things I shouldn't have, and exploded up the hill and away. The snake slithered in the opposite direction.

 

So, a question. Should a wise mountain biker have an anti-venom kit on hand, or just hope for a great emergency response if our ancient foe strikes?

 

 

[deanbean]

Keep your eyes open and avoid them, most will disappear if you give them a choice, even the puffy.

[Brawler]

My biggest fear. I'm constantly scanning.

[Raydek]

There was plenty space on the right to pass - this guy obviously reads up on mountain bike etiquette.

Lol!

 

Hi and welcome...

 

Also interested in this..

[Brawler]

There have been plenty of sightings lately (mainly seen on FB).

 

May just be good to know what to do and who to call.

[Raydek]

Slightly off topic, but thought I would share an Instagram post by Ryan Sands yesterday..

[Super Sywurm]

Anti-venom is a no go!!!  As far as I know it is quite expensive and will not last very long.  Rather get an anti-taxi kit.  You have a much bigger chance being hit by a taxi than getting bitten by a snake

[Super Sywurm]

I went over a cape cobra a week or so ago.  Ek het my gat af geskrik!!!

 

I think I yelled like a girl.

[(Deon)]

Snakes was one of the items on the list for a discussion with EMT re having a group briefed with the sport in Tokai.. I suggested that the anti venom be kept at the nearest hospitality point or office. Seems this was not the best suggestion.. 

 

Anti venom has an expiry and as copperhead says, is snake specific. The worst thing that can happen is to be dosed with the stuff and believe that you will be ok.. according to the medics, this is a waste of valuable time and a gamble to "think" which snake bit you. Best is to place your bets on a fast evacuation, remain as still as possible but above all, save the number for an emergency group who have a quick response time.. do some homework, it can save your limb or even life..

[Long Wheel Base]

I don't think you can just go and buy anti-venom. It is also different for every snake as far as I know. It depends on what venom the snake has.

This may go against me now but snake bites are quite rare as far as I know. Make sure you have emergency numbers on you.

You are spot on copperhead, different venom for different snakes.

AND I'M VERY SURE MORE OF US DIE FROM BEING HIT BY CARS THAN BEING BITTEN BY SNAKES. So again you are right

[Raydek]

Maybe some useful info.

http://www.tablemountainbikers.co.za/mountain-biking/facts-snakes-live-table-mountain/

 

Edit:

 

This one has some contact details.

http://www.tygerbergmtb.co.za/flora-fauna/snakes.html

[Super Sywurm]

The chance of a puff adder biting you a a bike is like 0, or maybe 1%.  When a cape cobra bites you, you will most probably survive, if you get treatment within an hour or so.

[Blackbeard]

 

Snakes on Table Mountain. In the past two weeks I've had encounters with a puff adder and a Cape cobra. I also cycled past Tim Noakes as he was out for a jog, but that's a different story.

 

Hahahahahaha!

[sawystertrance]

Anti-venom is a no go!!!  As far as I know it is quite expensive and will not last very long.  Rather get an anti-taxi kit.  You have a much bigger chance being hit by a taxi than getting bitten by a snake

Not only is it potentially lethal to use the wrong anti-venom but also it has a shelf life, beyond which it is at best non-functional

[dirtypot]

If you see a snake, just stop and let it get on with it's day.  They won't strike just because you're on the wrong type of bike or riding like a girl...

Riding fast down a single track and coming across one without enough time to stop is another story!   Lift your legs up and hope he's not having a bad day (yet)!

[Surv0MTB]

There are tons of snakes out atm, more so than other years I reckon.