mrcg Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 My fun encounter was in Durbanville Hills, actually on back of Durbanville going toward Majik forest up against the fence. I was powering up a small rise and as it evened out and I gathered more speed...I peripherally saw what I thought was a stick in the path.....then suddenly realised it was a Cape Cobra exactly in my path. Without thinking I just bunny-hopped it and as I landed looked behind to see it also twist and look my way. Happened so fast and I just carried on.Think it had visited a pool on some property....Other time, saw two CC at Meerendal too....just at start of that moer of a climb up Dorst Berg.Both times in 2017...nothing so far this year. Generally I think they hear you coming and move away ahead of time. The vibration in the ground, especially in groups will warn them ahead of time.
Kranswurm Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Here is an extremely informative and useful group on FB I recommend you join https://www.facebook.com/groups/snakesofsouthafrica/?fref=nf Li Mu Bai 1
CharlesZ Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 and there I though mountain bikers are tough people en skrik vir niks
Lurch the stalker Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Each snake needs a different antidote I definitely stand to be corrected on this, but, I seem to recall hearing that there's actually only two or three different ones.
Aurora Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Rode past a Black Mamba at Giba Gorge in KZN last weekend. Fairly common during this time of the year. Have also seen plenty of smaller snakes in here over the years as well as large spiders. Best bet if bitten is get to the nearest hospital ASAP. Also depends on the type of venom the snake carries as they attack the body in different ways.
Robbie Stewart Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 (edited) First thing to do is learn to identify a snake, as this will help massively if you do end up getting bitten.Then, carrying antivenom is not really feasible, as it A) needs to be kept refrigerated, B) has a short shelf-life, C) you can absolutely not use cobra antivenom if you get struck by a puffy for instance. Rather immediately try tying a tourniquet above the bite, and get to medical help asap.[edit] - In the Western Cape for instance a mole snake and cape cobra are hard to tell apart at the best of times, unless the cobra makes it's hood. Important: find and keep your local snake bite treatment and advice center contact details, and have them handy for just in case. [edit] - Also, get clued up to what type of venom each snake has, and the effects thereof once bitten. For instance, again, if bitten by a cape cobra, immediately desist any further excessive activity like riding, and get someone to administer CPR, as the neurotoxic venom causes the diaphragm to be temporarily paralyzed, leading to asphyxiation, which is the main cause of death from a cape cobra bite. As long as artificial breathing is applied, the victim should make it to hospital and full recovery. Knowledge is power. As a matter of decency, if you do come across a snake, let it be. Don't just kill it. You are in their space, not the other way round. If it is in your space, i.e. your home / yard, then contact a snake catcher to come remove the critter. LEAVE it alone, but keep watching where it is, or where it moves off to while you wait. [edit] - When you out riding, and you going up a steep climb, like Dorstberg, look where you want to unclip and step off the pedal BEFORE you do so (if like me Dorstberg remains to be your personal Everest). This goes a long way to ensuring you don't accidentally step on Mr. snake's body, and get bitten. Also, try not stop right at the little bush right beside the trail. Snakes like to hide. And lastly, enjoy the strange beauty that this type of animal has. They are quite pretty to look at once you stop freaking out. Like great white sharks (and other types) snakes are not "out to get you". Edited January 26, 2018 by Robbie Stewart Patchelicious, Odinson, Letum911 and 3 others 6
dev null Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Also, I failed to mention to always be more cautious when it starts getting hotter in Spring after the cold of Winter. Snakes like to come out in sunny open areas (like that nicely manicured trail) to heat up their bodies that is still sluggish after hibernation.
FirstV8 Posted January 26, 2018 Author Posted January 26, 2018 Also, I failed to mention to always be more cautious when it starts getting hotter in Spring after the cold of Winter. Snakes like to come out in sunny open areas (like that nicely manicured trail) to heat up their bodies that is still sluggish after hibernation.Good info from all thanks . We have had some heavy rainy evenings and that is why the snakes are coming out onto the paths we ride . We will just be a bit more vigilant after storms .
HdB Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Apparently a snake (I heard it was a geelslang, but who knows - one of the types that can 'stand up'?) caused a bit of a pile-up at the race at the weekend. When it raised itself up, the front rider hit the brakes and everyone else smashed into him/her. Must have been quite a sight to see
Robbie Stewart Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Here is an extremely informative and useful group on FB I recommend you join https://www.facebook.com/groups/snakesofsouthafrica/?fref=nf From the page... Lurch the stalker and Kranswurm 2
Robbie Stewart Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Apparently a snake (I heard it was a geelslang, but who knows - one of the types that can 'stand up'?) caused a bit of a pile-up at the race at the weekend. When it raised itself up, the front rider hit the brakes and everyone else smashed into him/her. Must have been quite a sight to see I was riding on the gravel road at Warmwaterbergspa when I came across the second berg adder in the road for the day (it was very late in the afternoon). I stopped to take a pic with my phone, and as I turned again to leave, I managed to have the wrong foot unclipped, lost my balance and fell backwards. I nearly landed right on top of the little bugger...luckily it skrikked worse that I did and did a bolt for the bushes. Who knew adders are so quick.
Lurch the stalker Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 From the page... 27073196_10160130694125724_8608707994036797791_n.jpgI bet there was some serious quick release happening there... Robbie Stewart and LBKloppers 2
Kranswurm Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 From the page... 27073196_10160130694125724_8608707994036797791_n.jpgBoomslang I would say Robbie Stewart 1
Piston ZA Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 From the page... 27073196_10160130694125724_8608707994036797791_n.jpgThat looks like just the skin that's been shed Odinson 1
gogo@ Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Here is an extremely informative and useful group on FB I recommend you join https://www.facebook.com/groups/snakesofsouthafrica/?fref=nfBest advice on this thread!Some incredible people in this group who will drop everything to help, and a great source of info. I’ve (almost) learned to “like” snakes from following this lot. Kranswurm 1
Piston ZA Posted January 30, 2018 Posted January 30, 2018 Not on any mtb trails, but saw this pic on FB. Cape Cobra eating a Puff Adder stefmeister, Mojoman, nathrix and 2 others 5
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