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January 2026 - Snakes and Rain

With summer in full swing and our ASI Snakes App receiving close to a hundred photo submissions a day for snake identification, snake season is undoubtedly at its peak.

It is well known that rain stirs the natural world, triggering a spike in frog activity as well as increased movement in birds and small mammals. Their predators—snakes—follow suit. Sightings of frog-eating species such as Herald Snakes, Common Night Adders, and Rinkhals are being reported from across the country.

South Africans can expect a wetter-than-usual summer due to a weak La Niña event, which typically brings enhanced rainfall to the eastern and northeastern parts of the country during summer. This leads to severe thunderstorms and occasional local flooding. These conditions disrupt people’s lives—and snakes are no different.

During flooding, snakes may seek higher ground. Heavy rain saturates the soil and raises the water table underground, displacing fossorial and terrestrial species. This often results in increased human–snake encounters, frequently with fatal consequences for the snakes. Fortunately, with around 800 snake removers listed on our app and website, there should be someone nearby who can safely assist.

Rain in the Kalahari often triggers a flurry of activity and many fossorial snakes may be found moving in the evening. Photo Sake van Wyk.

“Snakes Bringing Rain”

In many cultures, snakes are regarded as bringers of rain or are associated with water, such as Ivuzamanzi. Folk stories like that of Inkanyamba—a mythical snake that lives in rivers and is believed to cause thunderstorms and tornadoes—are also well known.

Another belief is that if snakes, particularly Rinkhals or Puff Adders, enter a house, it signals that rain is coming. While many snakes do appear to move more when barometric pressure drops ahead of a storm, this remains an old wife’s tale, rather than a scientific fact. It is purely a coincidence, and the snake is likely seeking shelter or food.
 

Puff Adders frequently enter gardens and houses in search of food and hiding spots. 

Photo Luke Kemp.

The African Snakebite Institute has released a set of Local Snake Name graphics.

Read more about them here 

Stiletto Snake

A special mention is needed for this species, as we are seeing a surge in reported bites. The Stiletto Snake (Atractaspis bibronii) is a fossorial species that spends most of its life underground, hunting other snakes and lizards. It often emerges in the early evening, especially after rain. This snake is difficult to identify and is frequently mistaken for harmless species. Unfortunately, it is quite venomous and as it has long fangs that can protrude from the sides of the mouth while it is closed, this snake cannot be handled safely in any manner.

From November to April—the rainy season—Stiletto Snakes account for a large portion of bites in South Africa. People are bitten when attempting to pick them up, while gripping them behind the head, or when accidentally stepping on them at night. The bites are extremely painful and, while not life-threatening, can lead to significant tissue damage and may require surgical intervention.

Bibron's Stiletto Snake showing the typical arching neck when disturbed.  

Photo Luke Kemp.

Key features of the Stiletto Snake include:

• A body and belly that are usually the same dark brown to blackish colour. In the northern parts of their range, some individuals may have a white belly extending slightly up the sides.
• A tendency to bury their heads in sand or soil when disturbed, forming an arched neck.
• Twitchy, jerky movements when threatened.
• A short, stubby tail, ending in a distinct spike.
• An average length of 30–40 cm, though some may exceed 80 cm.

It is critical that you never handle any dark-coloured snake with your hands.

As the rainy season continues, be alert for snakes. If you encounter one in your home or garden, contact a competent snake remover via the free ASI Snakes App. Keep children and pets at a safe distance, and keep an eye on the snake (from a safe distance), to help ensure a smooth removal.

In the unlikely event of a snakebite, get the victim to the closest hospital or in a case of your pet being bitten, the closest veterinarian.

Whatsapp Channel

We've had quite a few requests for people who are not on social media, for daily snake content - you can now get snake content delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp channel. Sign up here.  

We're excited to be launching our brand new Snakes of East Africa - online course!

A first of it's kind for East Africa. View the curriculum and sign up here. 

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Johan Marais
African Snakebite Institute | +27 82 494 2039
E-mail johan@asiorg.co.za 
Find out more at www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com

Johan Marais is the author of various books on reptiles including the best-seller - A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. He is a popular public speaker and CEO of the African Snakebite Institute. The African Snakebite Institute (ASI) offers a variety of courses including Snake Awareness, Scorpion Awareness and Venomous Snake Handling. ASI is accredited by the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS) and is a Travel Doctor-approved service provider. The courses are also accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). ASI is the largest provider of quality snake handling and safety equipment in Africa!

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