UPDATED: A popular Sea Point road is attracting Cape cobras

A busy road on the border of Sea Point and Three Anchor Bay in Cape Town has recently been the location of rare Cape cobra sightings.

It is not uncommon for Cape cobras to venture down from the Table Mountain National Park into residential areas. Image: Flickr

Earlier this week a Cape cobra was spotted inside an apartment on Glengariff road.

Initial reports alleged that the snake was first found on the balcony of an apartment building.

The resident confirmed with The South African that the cobra was in fact guided toward the balcony from inside the apartment, before snake handler Tyrone Ping was called.

“Fortunately, Tyrone arrived within minutes and safely retrieved the snake from the balcony,” the resident said.

“He also mentioned that the snake was dehydrated, which suggests it had likely been in my apartment for some time before we discovered it.”

“It was a frightening experience.”

Not the first cobra

This marks the second time in a matter of weeks that the highly-venomous snake breed has been encountered off the familiar tree-lined avenue.

Just weeks ago, one was seen emerging from a storm water drain on the same street.

Judging by the photograph on Cape Town Etc, the location of the apartment visitor appears to be above High Level road, towards Signal Hill.

Nonetheless, local snake handler Tyrone Ping, who safely captured and relocated the snake, said this is the lowest he’s seen these cobras come down from their natural habitat.

“The cobra most likely traveled along the storm water drain from the mountain,” he said.

Ping, who is also founder of the Reptiles of South Africa YouTube channel, has removed 27 snakes from houses and properties in and around the city this year.

“And that’s just the areas I service, from the City Bowl all the way to the Atlantic Seaboard,” he told IOL this week.

Among his relocations was a puff adder that was captured in Camps Bay last month.

Glengariff road in Sea Point/ Three Anchor Bay. Image: Google Maps

Not uncommon

In spite of these recurrent cobra sightings, Ping says it’s “completely normal” for this time of year.

He also noted that sudden weather changes can cause an uptick in snake spotting across the city.

“Typically, snake activity peaks just before we experience bad weather,” Ping added. “If we have really windy or cool weather, you’ll see more snakes out and about.”

What to do if you spot a Cape cobra in an urban setting

Ping also shared some insights about what residents should do if they encounter a cobra (or any snake) in their home.

“If you spot a snake, keep an eye on it,” he advised. “Make sure to watch where it’s going, whether it’s under a cupboard or fridge, or behind a pot plant. You need to know where it is.”

The next step is to contact a professional snake catcher. Ping’s direct number is 084 492 2542.

While a Cape cobra’s venom is highly toxic, bites are rare.