Deep South Reptile Rescue

Deep South Reptile Rescue We strive for conservation through education. Knowledge beats fear and builds respect & understanding

02/06/2026

ANTIVENOM UPDATE – 1 June 2026

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) / South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) have released an updated production schedule for antivenom supplies.

According to the latest stakeholder communication:

• Polyvalent Antivenom – Expected release: 15 July 2026
• Scorpion Antivenom – Expected release: 19 June 2026
• Spider Antivenom – Expected release: 30 July 2026
• Echis Antivenom – Stock available
• Boomslang Antivenom – Stock available

This is welcome news for the medical, veterinary and conservation communities after ongoing concerns regarding antivenom availability.

While these projected release dates are encouraging, it remains important that snakebite incidents are treated as medical emergencies and that hospitals and veterinary practices continue to verify stock availability and treatment protocols.

We will continue monitoring the situation and sharing official updates as they become available.

Source: NHLS / SAVP Stakeholder Communication, 1 June 2026.

24/05/2026

Just a picture of me without a snake for a change

21/05/2026

Herald snake
Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia
Mildly venomous

Unfortunately, this little Herald got caught in the roller of a sliding door, and the snake didn’t survive. It’s something we encounter often in wildlife conflict management, but it’s the part we never really get used to. We do everything we can to save animals, but the reality is that sometimes they don’t make it.

Stay safe, respect nature 🙏

🐍

19/05/2026

Common Slug Eater
Duberria lutrix
Harmless

These little snakes are completely harmless and are commonly found in gardens throughout South Africa. They feed mainly on slugs and snails, making them excellent natural pest controllers and great to have around the garden.

When threatened, they often coil themselves into a tight roll and hide their heads for protection. This behaviour led to the Afrikaans nickname “Tobakrolletjie”, which means “little to***co roll”, because they resemble the rolled plugs of chewing to***co that were once common in South Africa.

🐍

19/05/2026

Herald snake
Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia
Mildly venomous

This picture of a Herald snake feeding on a gecko was sent to me for identification. Heralds have a mild venom that is not considered medically significant to people or pets such as dogs and cats. Their venom is mainly used to help subdue small prey like geckos, frogs, lizards and other small animals.

You can identify a Herald snake by the dark temples behind the head and the small white speckling visible along the olive-green body. Their colour can vary from lighter to darker shades, and some individuals show the classic red lips that gave rise to the name “Red-lipped Herald”.

🐍

It's a Dogg's life. He's on a bed that's on a bed, in the sun. What a way to take a nap
15/05/2026

It's a Dogg's life. He's on a bed that's on a bed, in the sun. What a way to take a nap

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE ⚠️South Africa is facing another temporary interruption in the supply of lifesaving antivenoms, incl...
14/05/2026

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE ⚠️
South Africa is facing another temporary interruption in the supply of lifesaving antivenoms, including:
• Polyvalent Antivenom
• Boomslang Antivenom
• Scorpion Antivenom
• Spider Antivenom
As many people know, we have only recently started recovering from a severe antivenom shortage crisis. News like this is deeply concerning for snake handlers, medical professionals, wildlife responders, and every person living or working in areas where venomous bites and stings are a reality.
Antivenom is not a luxury. It is a critical emergency treatment that saves lives.
Now more than ever: 🐍 Prevention and awareness matter
🐍 Proper training matters
🐍 Responsible handling matters
🐍 Rapid emergency response matters
Please stay informed, avoid unnecessary risks, and ensure that emergency protocols and contact numbers are up to date.
My thoughts are with the medical staff, conservation teams, rescuers, and families who may be affected by this situation. Hoping for a swift resolution and restored production soon.

SnakeRescue VenomousSnakes MedicalEmergency WildlifeSafety Conservation Herpetology CommunitySafety

13/05/2026

When every second counts, the right equipment matters.
The Venom Gear Bagging System is traditionally known as a professional snake handling tool, but it also serves another incredibly important purpose — emergency evacuation and disaster preparedness for keepers.
Imagine a fire, flooding, structural emergency, or any situation where you need to move animals quickly and safely. Multiple tubs can become bulky, time-consuming, and difficult to transport under pressure. A proper bagging system offers a faster, more efficient solution for experienced handlers.
The Venom Gear Bagger allows for:
Quick and controlled bagging
Safer handling during high-stress situations
Compact transport of multiple animals
Professional-grade reliability when it matters most
This is the kind of equipment you hope you never need — but when you do, you’ll be grateful to have it ready.
Massive respect to Venom Gear for producing practical, professional tools that support both field work and responsible captive management.

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