South African cat 'gifts' owners with highly venomous snake

South African cat 'gifts' owners with highly venomous snake

Cats are known for presenting their owners with small creatures to show their love and endearment, but it's rarely one of the most venomous snakes in South Africa. 

Snake rescue puff adder
Nick Evans

As summer is creeping up on South Africans, an increase in snake activity and sightings are expected. 

Due to this increase and cats' love for gifting their owners with small creatures, it is inevitable that more interactions with snakes and pets will arise. 

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A recent example of this type of interaction sees a cat in Kwazulu-Natal 'gifting' its owners with a puff adder, one of South Africa's most venomous snakes. 

According to a Facebook post by local snake rescuer Nick Evans, "this young Puff Adder, in Inchanga, was taken to someone by their cat, as a present! Some present. I was surprised the cat avoided the fast-striking, highly venomous snake."

He added that the snake was "fortunately unharmed". 

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Evans also warned pet owners about pets' interactions with snakes and how to keep safe. 

"REMEMBER. If you encounter a snake at home, always keep the pets away. If they find the snake first, please get them away from the snake without putting yourself at risk of being bitten."

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