Simon Keys and Siouxsie Gillett, the stars of Snakes in the City, an internationally acclaimed National Geographic Wild series, arrived a month earlier than usual in Durban to film the next season of the show. They are just in time for the snake mating season and along with that the intriguing rituals and fighting associated with it.
Siouxsie Gillett, a qualified herpetologist, said: “Usually we begin in October or November when the weather has warmed up and snakes are more active, which is post-mating season. Now, because we are here earlier, we are coming across some rather amazing sights. This is a time of the year that you are likely to see more than one snake together, as they are usually solitary creatures. Often people see two or more snakes together and think it may be snakes mating, but it is more than likely two males fighting for dominance,” said Gillet.
Simon Keys said: “The world of snake mating and reproduction is quite a fascinating one. For example, female snakes produce a strong scent to attract males, leaving a scent trail so males can find her. During the mating season, the female could attract a whole mass of snakes who have followed her scent, who all end up fighting for her. Quite a scary sight for an untrained eye.”
Gillett said what is also intriguing is that the male snake has spent the winter in hibernation, not eating, and is hungry, but would rather mate at this point than find food.
“Surprisingly, some species like our famous Black Mamba will combat in a non-violent way for the female, by attempting to dominate the other male by almost entwining around, and laying on top of the other male, often misunderstood as two snakes mating,” she added.
She said most female snakes lay their eggs and leave them and some snakes, pythons including the Rock Python and the King Cobras, incubate their eggs; and King Cobras even build a nest for them. “Some even give birth to live young like Adders,” she added.
“So now’s the time to watch out for the fighting and mating, and soon for the babies to be out and about. And we are happy to come help out to remove them and place them in a safe natural environment,” Gillett added.
Simon and Siouxsie are available to capture and relocate snakes free of charge whilst filming the series. All filming is done under strict SA Government Covid-19 guidelines and regulations. The caller, with permission and depending on the conditions of the call-out, may end up in the TV series.
The Snakes in the City hotline for snake removals is 063-234-6932.
