A sub-adult female, brown house snake was admitted into the care of the uShaka Sea World herpetologists and veterinary staff last week. The snake was found immobile and completely entrapped in duct tape at a home in Pinetown, north-west of Durban.
The veterinarian placed the snake under general anaesthetic to prevent any further stress. With the assistance of the Dangerous Creatures herpetologists, they used vegetable oil to slowly break down the adhesive, said the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) Lead Herpetologist, Carl Schloms.
“The procedure was successful and the snake is currently being kept under close observation while she completes a course of antibiotics to prevent any infections,” Mr Schloms said.
“Caring for snakes entrapped in discarded tape is a fairly common occurrence and we have helped numerous snakes in similar situations over the past few years.”
He added that this is an important reminder to all of us to be mindful of how we discard of adhesive tape. The house snake will be released once it completes its next shed, said Mr Schloms.
