Unexpected Road Trip for a Puff Adder
A Surprising Find in Reservoir Hills
Residents of a house in Durban’s northwest suburbs got a shock when they spotted a puff adder curled up on a garage windowsill. The highly venomous snake was far from where it usually lives, leaving everyone—including snake rescuer Nick Evans—stunned.
From Doubt to Discovery
Nick first thought the family was describing a harmless brown house snake. When he saw the photo, his expectations changed instantly.
“I expected it to be a brown house snake with food until I received the photo – it was a puff adder!”
Why Puff Adders Are Rare in Durban
Puff adders prefer the drier, inland areas of KwaZulu‑Natal, such as the Midlands and the Upper Highway Area. They aren’t commonly seen in Durban’s humid coastal environment, so finding one in the city is a real treat for local snake handlers.
The Hitchhiking Theory
Nick believes the snake hitched a ride:
- The family spent the previous weekend in the Midlands.
- They parked their car in the garage.
- The puff adder likely crawled into the vehicle’s undercarriage and stayed hidden during the drive back to Durban.
He also considered the nearby Umgeni River Valley as a possible origin, but the timing of the trip makes the “car‑lift” idea more plausible.
A Tricky Rescue
The snake was perched dangerously close to a steep slope outside the garage window. Nick worried that if he didn’t act quickly, the adder could fall and injure itself.
Because puff adders are known to be defensive when restrained, Nick used tongs—a tool he normally avoids with this species—to gently lift the snake into a container. The adder relaxed once inside, showing that the careful approach worked.
What Makes This Puff Adder Special?
Nick described the snake as “an absolutely beautiful specimen” with striking colors. By looking at its short tail, he identified it as an adult female.
Quick Facts About Puff Adders
According to the African Snakebite Institute:
- Puff adders are widespread across southern Africa.
- They rely on camouflage and often stay motionless to avoid detection.
- They inhabit grasslands, savannahs, and rocky terrain in all nine South African provinces.
- Their venom is potent, making them one of the continent’s most dangerous snakes.
Staying Safe Around Snakes
If you ever encounter a snake:
- Keep a safe distance—don’t try to touch or provoke it.
- Call a local snake rescuer or wildlife authority.
- Give the animal space to move away on its own.
- Never attempt to handle a venomous snake without proper training and equipment.
Conclusion
The puff adder’s unexpected journey from the Midlands to a Durban garage windowsill reminds us how wildlife can surprise us in the most ordinary places. Thanks to quick thinking and careful handling by Nick Evans and his partner Carla, the snake was safely relocated, and everyone walked away unharmed. It’s a cool story that shows why respecting nature—and knowing who to call when things get slippery—matters for both people and snakes.
