Brave Vaal Triangle residents can look forward to a snake course that will teach them to identify snakes, how to prevent snakebites and just to know more about snakes.

The Snake Identification, Handling, and Snakebite Treatment course is a 1-day course covering an introduction to snake biology, snake venom and how it affects the human body, basic snake identification, snake awareness, and snakebite prevention.

“This course is not just aimed at people wanting to learn more about snakes and snake enthusiasts, but forms part of the health and safety training needs for many companies like mines, solar farms, game farms, municipalities, fire departments, construction companies, and any other sector where snakes in the workplace could be a potential hazard,” said course presenter Nick van der Walt.

The course will teach people how to identify snakes. Picture: Pixabay.

“A certificate that is valid for two years will be issued at the attendance of the course and it will be accredited with the University of Johannesburg, the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and the South African Veterinary Council.”

The course will be presented on Friday (26/1) at the Klip River Country Estate in Three Rivers, Vereeniging. The cost is R995 per person and various venomous snakes will be handled using the correct techniques and equipment.

After completing the course, participants will have a better understanding of snakes and be able to overcome their fear of them, which results in the senseless killing of snakes affecting the ecosystem and sometimes even resulting in snakebites.

A Black Mamba handling will be the main event. Picture: nationalgeographic.com

“We are proud and thankful for the following we have started to gain, and we will look at offering public courses more often in 2024. And for the people looking for an adrenaline rush, we also offer an advanced handling course with a Black Mamba handling as the main event,” said Van der Walt.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg