Snake awareness and trail safety

An interview with Cape Town snake expert, Dale Snyders 

Growing up in eSwatini (Swaziland), Dale Snyders developed a fascination with snakes at a young age. Today, he is a dedicated snake handler and educator based in Cape Town. Dale is deeply passionate about busting common wildlife myths, helping hikers overcome their fears, and promoting safe co-existence on our beautiful trails. We sat down with him to get the definitive guide to snake safety for the @ComeHike community.

Q: What types of snakes are found in South Africa, and which ones should we look out for in the Western Cape?

Dale: South Africa is home to around 170 species of snakes, but on Western Cape trails—especially around the Table Mountain chain—hikers really only need to be acutely aware of two dangerously venomous species:

• The Puff Adder (Biti arietans): A thick-bodied snake that relies on camouflage. Because they sit still and blend into the brush or trail edges rather than slithering away, they are the most common cause of accidental step-on bites.
  
• The Cape Cobra (Naja nivea): A highly nervous, fast-moving snake. When cornered, it will raise its forebody, spread a prominent hood, and hiss loudly. 
  

There are other adder and cobra species that you may come across depending on where you hike and camp in the Western Cape, so it’s a good idea to search online to see what they look like, and remember to keep the 2-3m safety distance—which is close enough to photograph—between you and the snake. Other venomous snakes like the Boomslang are present but are incredibly shy, tree-dwelling, and highly unlikely to bite a hiker unless someone actively tries to catch or handle them.

Q: What is the typical behaviour of snakes out on our trails?

Dale: The most important thing to realise is that snakes are not out to get you.

• They mind their own business: A snake views a human as a massive, terrifying predator, not prey.
  
• They actively try to escape: If they feel the vibrations of your footsteps coming, their first instinct is to flee into the thick undergrowth.
  
• They only bite if threatened: A snake will only strike as a last resort if it is stepped on, cornered, or provoked in self-defence.

Q: What vital role do snakes play in our mountain environment? 

Dale: Snakes are crucial apex predators within our ecosystems. They act as nature’s free pest control, keeping populations of rodents, lizards, and frogs in check. Without them, rodent populations would skyrocket, disrupting the delicate balance of the local flora and fauna.

  

Q: How should hikers behave when they encounter a snake?

Dale: The golden rule is to keep a distance of at least 2 meters. If you spot a snake on the trail, stop immediately and warn others that you have spotted a snake. Do not throw rocks at it, poke it with a hiking pole, or try to herd it. Back off slowly to give the snake space. In almost every scenario, if you give the snake a clear escape route, it will gladly slither away into the bush. It is important to note that regardless of the snake's size, a juvenile venomous snake carries potent venom that can still be fatal to a human.

Fast snake facts:

• Vision: While they don't see fine details as well as humans do, they are incredibly sensitive to movement and contrast. If you freeze, they often lose track of you.
  
• Digging holes: Snakes do not have limbs or claws, meaning they cannot dig their own holes. Instead, they utilise existing abandoned rodent burrows, rock crevices, or hollow logs for shelter.
  
• Winter slumber: Snakes undergo brumation (the cold-blooded equivalent of hibernation) during the winter months. They become highly passive, and because their metabolism drops drastically, they can easily go two to three months without a meal.
  
• Solar powered: Because they are ectothermic, snakes absolutely rely on external heat to digest their food. If they get too cold after eating, the food can actually rot in their stomach before it digests, which can be fatal.
  

Emergency Protocol: What to do if a hiker is bitten

In the exceptionally rare event of a snakebite on the trail, executing the correct first aid immediately is critical.

1. Freeze and step back

Immediately move the patient and the rest of the group at least 2 meters away from the snake to prevent any subsequent bites. If the snake is within strike distance of the patient, ask them to move 2-3m away.

2. Calm and immobilise

Keep the victim completely calm and still. Panic increases the heart rate, which pumps venom through the body significantly faster. Have them sit or lie down comfortably. Remove rings, bracelets, or tight shoes immediately, as dramatic swelling can quickly cut off circulation.

3. Know the venom types and correct first aid

The two dangerous snakes in the Western Cape have entirely different venom types, and treating them incorrectly can cause more harm:

Snake type	Venom type	Symptoms and first aid protocol
Puff Adder	Cytotoxic (Tissue-destroying)	Symptoms: Immediate, excruciating pain accompanied by rapid, severe swelling and bruising.  Protocol: DO NOT apply any tight bandages, pressure, or tourniquets. Restricting the blood flow traps the highly destructive venom in one small area, accelerating tissue death (necrosis) and potentially leading to amputation. Leave the wound entirely open, splint the limb gently to keep it still, and keep it elevated slightly below heart level.
Cape Cobra	Neurotoxic (Nerve-destroying)	Symptoms: Minimal pain or swelling at first, but progresses to numbness, dizziness, blurred vision, and difficulty breathing within hours.  Protocol: Use the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT). Ideally, use a Smart Pressure Bandage (or a wide, stretchy crepe bandage if it's all you have). Wrap the limb firmly starting from the fingers/toes all the way up to the groin or armpit to slow venom spread through the lymphatic system. It should be snug (like wrapping a sprained ankle), but not a circulation-cutting tourniquet. Splint the limb to keep it completely rigid.

4. Get medical help

Contact emergency services or Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) on 021 939 0300 immediately to coordinate evacuation. Do not make the patient walk if it can be avoided. Get the patient to the nearest hospital as urgently as possible.

• Note for Cape Town Hikers: Groote Schuur Hospital houses a world-class, dedicated toxicology unit. Their trauma doctors are highly trained and will assess clinical symptoms to determine exact treatment. Antivenom is highly specialised, carries severe allergy risks, and is strictly administered by medical professionals in an ICU or high-care environment.

  

It is important to remind ourselves that snake bites are rare. Ultimately, sharing the trails with snakes is a reminder of how wild and beautifully intact our Western Cape mountains truly are. By swapping fear for facts and treating these ancient predators with the space and respect they deserve, we ensure that both hikers and wildlife can safely enjoy the paths we share.So, the next time you spot a flash of scales on the trail, don’t panic—take a step back, admire the sight from a safe two meters, and let nature go about its business.

A huge thank you to Dale Snyders for taking the time to share his expertise, bust myths, and help keep the ComeHike community safe, informed, and confident on the trails! You can contact Dale on 083 632 1085.

Disclaimer: Dale is a qualified professional snake handler. The actions shown in these photos should not be replicated. Never attempt to approach, touch, or handle any snake. Always contact a local professional for snake removal.

Photographs supplied by Dale Snyders - Pic 1: Cape Cobra, Pic 2: Puff Adder, Pic 3: Boomslang, Pic 4: Egg Eater, Pic 5: Cape Coral Cobra, Pic 6: Mole Snake, Pic 7: Cape Cobra.