A live and let live approach is needed

THE story last week of the brave boy who fought himself free from the constricting coils of a large African rock python touched the hearts of many.

It was indeed a horrendous experience for nine-year-old Sikahle Nxumalo, who was left physically exhausted and mentally scarred after the encounter.

He could easily have been crushed to death and his mother rightly praised God for his safe deliverance.

The very thought and picture of the large reptile filled many readers with revulsion and fear, with one online comment suggesting that the python be charged with attempted murder!

As much as the first instinct of many would be to kill this ‘aggressor’ (as well as any other snake found on one’s property – poisonous or not), the incident must be seen in perspective.

Young Sikahle had been in a forest area, herding cattle with other young friends.

This is more than a chore; it is a rite of passage that is the first step to learning responsibility and pride of ownership of a valuable asset.

But when humans intrude onto the domain of nature’s creatures, it is we who are the trespassers.

The python did no more than what it is conditioned to do; it exercised its natural instinct to seek prey in its own environment.

Conversely, if a snake happens to find itself inside a house, that is not its proper domain and its primary aim is to get out of there and back to where it feels safer.

Herpetologists tell us there are very few snakes that are poisonous or that would readily attack, unless cornered or threatened or accidentally trod upon.

Zululand is rife with snakes, which is a good thing!

They play a vital role in the natural environment and the balance of nature and their reputation as ‘baddies’ is unwarranted.

This newspaper has been instrumental in bringing together and advertising a group of snake catchers who are readily available to capture and remove any intruding reptile.

Please, let that be your first instinct.

While there are isolated incidents of snake bites and scary moments such as experienced by young Sikahle, these are the exception rather than the rule.

By learning more about snakes, their habits and their habitats, we can resist resorting to violence when we encounter them.

Live and let live.