Snake Community Action Now - SCAN

08/04/2026

This powerful moment was captured by Wanjiku at Soysambu Conservancy while she was out grazing sheep. The image shows an African Rock Python constricting a Thomson’s gazelle.
Wanjiku represents a group of women who depend on livestock for their livelihoods. In the past, they have lost sheep to pythons, making these encounters stressful and concerning.
I first worked with them in 2024 during a snake awareness training, where Wanjiku was one of my students. At the time, fear of snakes was very high-they wouldn’t go anywhere near one. In 2025, I continued engaging with them whenever they reported sightings. Each visit became an opportunity for on-site snake awareness.
Over time, fear began to turn into understanding. Today, their growing confidence is evident-Wanjiku was able to calmly observe and document this moment noting that the began swallowing the gazelle from its head.
This is what coexistence looks like-a journey, not an instant outcome.
At the same time, we must acknowledge a difficult truth: pythons do not easily coexist with small livestock. They pose a real challenge, especially for small-scale farmers whose livelihoods depend on their animals. While relocation can sometimes help, it is not always practical and sustainable, particularly when snakes are in their natural habitat.
Conservation is not just about protecting wildlife-it is about supporting people to live alongside it safely and sustainably. This story is a testament to how knowledge, patience and continuous engagement can bridge the gap.
conservation education

24/03/2026

John Maganga Safely captured and relocated this highly venomous Eastern Vine Snake (Thelotornis mossambicanus).
Vine Snake has a deadly haemotoxic venom and one MUST be treated in a hospital if bitten.
However there is no antivenom available for this particular snake. Treatment is done symptomatically.
The snake however is not aggressive and avoids people.
Call us for snake awareness, removal and relocation when you see a snake in your home,school, church, business premise.
This is the knowledge Snake Community Action Now - SCAN has equipped us with.

22/03/2026

Building Ambassadors for Conservation at Soysambu Conservancy

Snake Community Action NOW! (SCAN), through our dedicated member Stephen Githenya, recently conducted a snake awareness and snakebite prevention training for the new rangers at Soysambu Conservancy.

Equipping rangers with the right knowledge about snakes — their behavior, identification, and how to respond safely — is a crucial step toward reducing snakebite incidents and promoting coexistence in conservation areas.

As frontline personnel, these rangers are now better prepared to protect both human life and snake populations. More importantly, they become ambassadors of awareness, helping to pass on accurate information to the communities they serve.

We commend Stephen for this impactful engagement, which reflects SCAN’s continued commitment to education, conservation, and saving lives.

Together, we move closer to a future where both people and snakes can safely coexist.

📌 “Reach Them However You Can, Wherever You Can, With Whomever Is at Hand.” – SCAN

16/03/2026

16/03/2026

This is Simon Namoni a.k.a Serpentologist . He caught and released a sub adult puff adder, Location; Kenya-AIST Konza Technopolis , weight 0.84 kg, length 52cm , health ; okay, no ticks nor any signs of injury, time of catch 0707hrs , time of release 0740hrs, Location of release Athi-Kapiti wildlife Corridor,. Awareness; Awareness created ,, participate 1 police officer, 1 security guard and 1 Institution Driver (Cameraman)
Simon is very passionate about snake conservation. Despite being a very busy person due to the nature of his work.
Simon did two internships at Watamu Snake Farm. This experience has been very crucial to gain knowledge of snake identification, snake relocation, and first aid. The partnership between SCAN and WSF is doing a great deal in snake conservation.
# Snake conservation

13/03/2026

INDEED IT HAS BEEN A BUSY WEEK FOR SCAN
John Maganga, vice chair of SCAN did received phone call at night from his sister in Wundanyi, what terrified him most is not the call itself. It's the voice like that of a drowning person. Filled with terror and goose bumps. John was warming up for bad news in span of seconds, only to be told there's snake which has slithered in my house.
He quickly grabbed his equipments, rode on a motorbike amd advanced to the home. Thinking it might be one of the venomous snakes, only to relocate a brown house snake safely to the wild.
Today in the morning Steve Githenya received a phone call from a worried middle aged man from Meru. He was worried that five snakes had been found in her mother's in law borehole that's still under manual digging work. Man working on sote had vowed not to continue with the work. Perhaps it's a bad omen of evil powers of witchcraft. I Called Rizack Moon who immediately went to the site. After draining water amd digging it was a juvenile dead brow house snake.
Our good partnership with Watamu snake farm is going huge way in saving lives of both snakes and humans. Alex of Watamu snake farm thank you for your follow up until the mission was accomplished yesterday. We remain grateful.
conservation is our leisure
lives is our joy
human snake conflicts is our core mission

07/03/2026

Rainy Season Alert: Why Snakes Are Being Seen More Often

During the rainy season, many snake hideouts such as holes, burrows, and crevices become flooded with water. When this happens, snakes are forced to move to higher and drier ground, sometimes finding their way into human dwellings in search of warmth and shelter.

It is not uncommon during this time for snakes to hide under beds, inside cupboards, or in rural homes around traditional kitchens, especially under piles of firewood or in dark corners.

At the same time, frogs and rodents become very active during the rains, and naturally snakes will follow their prey.

The good news is that conflicts can be greatly reduced by keeping our surroundings clean and well managed:

✔️ Cut grasses and bushes short around the home
✔️ Remove debris and trash that may attract rodents
✔️ Avoid piling firewood or rocks close to the house
✔️ Seal holes and crevices in walls where snakes may enter or hide

Through Snake Community Action NOW! (SCAN), we continue to share this knowledge to help communities safely coexist with these useful yet often misunderstood creatures.

Recently, a Brown House Snake (Boaedon fuliginosus), a harmless constrictor and excellent rodent controller, was safely removed from a house where it had taken shelter and relocated back to a suitable habitat.

If you encounter a snake, do not harm it. Keep a safe distance and reach out for professional removal and relocation assistance.

Together, through awareness and responsible action, we can protect both human lives and snakes.

📌 “Reach Them However You Can, Wherever You Can, With Whomever Is at Hand.” – SCAN

28/02/2026

Armed with long, front-fixed fangs, Puff Adders can deliver a very painful bite that may result in progressive localized swelling, blistering, and tissue necrosis. They are primarily active at night, increasing the risk of accidental encounters after dark.

As a safety precaution, always wear closed shoes and use a torch when walking at night. Puff Adders(Bitis arietans) are ambush predators, relying on camouflage and remaining still as they wait for prey to pass by.

23/02/2026

Did you know Kenya has a snake that lives in the freezing alpine zone?
Meet the Kenya Montane Viper (Montatheris hindii). It’s endemic to Kenya, meaning it’s found nowhere else on Earth but our high-altitude moorlands—surviving at staggering elevations of 2,700m to 3,800m.

26/12/2025

Choosing Knowledge Over Fear — A SCAN Story
Yesterday, during a family burial, a report was received by John Maganga of a snake sighting at a farm approximately 11 km away. The snake had been observed swallowing another snake and was described as black with white markings. A photograph shared on social media later confirmed the species as an East African Garter Snake.
Guidance was provided remotely on how the snake could be safely contained using a bucket and a stick, avoiding any direct handling. The instructions were followed successfully, and the snake was later handed over safely. The animal is currently secure and awaiting release back into a suitable habitat.
Interestingly, during handling, the snake regurgitated two other snakes — a Brown House Snake and a Cape Wolf Snake — highlighting the complex role snakes play within the ecosystem.
This incident reflects a positive shift in community response, where assistance is increasingly sought instead of resorting to killing. Such outcomes are a direct result of continuous awareness and education.
At Snake Community Action NOW! (SCAN), in collaboration with Watamu Snake Farm, efforts continue to promote snake conservation, responsible coexistence, and snakebite prevention for the safety of both people and wildlife.

Image captured by John Maganga
As the festive season approaches, SCAN wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, and encourages continued respect for nature and its vital role in our lives.
“Reach Them However You Can, Wherever You Can, With Whomever Is at Hand.” – SCAN

23/03/2025

Early today John Maganga received a call from locals about a snake on site. They knew snakes play an important role in the ecosystem and instead of fear and killing it they decided to call for an experienced snake remover. John had to fuel his motorbike and ride for 50km to rescue the snake. On arrival his exhaustion was graced with an extremely beautiful juvenile Kenya Sand boa (Eryx colubrinus)- harmless constrictor.
He appreciated the locals for calling and gave a brief talk about snakes and snakebite prevention. He later released the snake in a safe place away from humans.
With your support we can do more to help save more snakes and prevent snakebites.

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