Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming. The birds are chirping and bees are buzzing. Animals and snakes are awakening from their winter hibernation and curiously exploring their fresh surrounds for food and water.
Unfortunately many of these creatures, especially snakes, share their environment with human beings, and sometimes create fear when they encounter each other.
In order to quell these fears and better understand these slithery reptiles, Crocworld Conservation Centre will once again be hosting Snake Safety courses for children between the ages of six and twelve on Tuesday 2 October and Friday 5 October 2018.
Back by popular demand, this one-day course during the spring holiday break will cost just R120.00 per child. It is aimed at equipping children in the specified age group with knowledge and skills that are required should they encounter a snake, which is not uncommon at this time of year.
Hosted by vastly experienced herpetologist, Martin Rodrigues, who is also Crocworld Conservation Centre’s manager, the course will teach kids fun facts about these reptiles, and how to be safe in the event of a snake encounter.
“Children need to understand that snakes should be respected and not feared. We are fortunate enough to live in a dense natural habitat, which we share with snakes and many other species. We need to teach our kids to live in harmony with all living things,” said Rodrigues.
Rodrigues added that the course is specifically aimed at an age group which is naturally curious and who potentially make themselves very vulnerable to a bite from a snake, as they do not know what to do when a snake is encountered.
Children will be taught how to react if they see a snake, including keeping a safe distance, alerting an adult, and monitoring the snake’s movements. Parents can rest assured that the course will not promote the handling or touching of any snakes, but rather focuses on how to be safe in the event of a snake encounter.
Children will learn basic knowledge of snakes, including the senses snakes use, their movements and diet, and the important role that snakes play in the ecosystem. It will also assist children who may have a fear of snakes, to replace their fear with respect, understanding and knowledge, ensuring that a child can react in the safest possible manner, should they see or encounter a snake.
The two-session course commences at 09h00, with a 30-minute lunch break at midday. Children need to provide their own lunches. The afternoon session ends at 14h30. Children will receive a certificate of completion (parents to provide child’s full name when booking).
Bookings are essential, as space is limited. Bookings can be made by e-mailing mrodrigues@cbl.co.za, or contact Martin Rodrigues on 078 484 1859 0r 039 976 1103.
Spring is snake time; Crocworld is offering a unique snake safety course for children https://t.co/5MQqlREvnq #ArriveAlive #Crocworld #SnakeSafety pic.twitter.com/J4BizqMD62
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 17, 2018