Brushfires and Snake Handling
Apparently the accepted method of killing snakes in Namibia is with fire. Imagine my surprise when I see a cloud of smoke that appears to be moving dangerously close to the house. I nervously move closer to investigate and find that indeed, where there is smoke there is fire… mere feet from my house and the entire family is circling the charred ground with sticks and hoes with intent looks on their faces as they peer at the ground. This peaks my attention as I tentatively squint through the thick haze of smoke. I sidle over and gaze at the ground and innocently engage in the following conversation:
"We are looking for what?"
"A poisonous snake. I think it’s over there” pointing mere feet from where I stand.
I calmly back away trying not to look as though I am freaking out at the thought of a poisonous snake stealthily moving towards me.
"It’s only mildly poisonous."
"Oh, okay." [As though that makes a difference. So I’ll die more slowly.] I think to myself.
I casually move 20 feet away, what I feel is an acceptable distance to run should the snake make a sudden appearance, and watch as they start moving rocks in search of the snake. Unfortunately, the snake is nowhere to be found. Apparently, he slithered away in the thick plumes of smoke. Now we have to purchase more petrol and burn him out of hiding. Ah, the joys of African wildlife.
Singular girl - what an adventure. You are so brave, much more so than those of us who stayed behind. Best from all your friends.
Victor
Comment by Victor Marshall — June 14, 2009 @ 10:35 am
Thanks Victor, I appreciate the vote of confidence, though I don’t know how brave I am when I am contemplating running from snakes! However, I will try to live up to my new bravery status.
Comment by singulargirl — June 16, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Yeah. Leave me out of the snake hunt, please. I’ll volunteer to put out the fire or clean up the rocks and stuff, but wherever you’re looking for the snake? I’ll be over there. Way over there.
Comment by JD at I Do Things — June 17, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
Oh brave one, come on! It’s just a snake, and no more dangerous than let’s say a cat…although cats are not poisonous.
Anyway, the burning of a snake to kill it, is totally acceptable. And depending on the type of snake, its venom is either hemotoxic, cytotoxic, or neurotoxic. And only hemotoxic venomous snake bites are potentially lethal…
So a good choice then to run away! Who knows what type of snake that might have been?
Comment by Alistar Harris — June 19, 2009 @ 12:07 am
JD- I’ll join you over there, far over there. I don’t think I’ll be doing any snake hunting in the near future!
Ali- Cats are cute and fluffy and don’t squirt poisonous venom out of their mouth. Need I say more?
Comment by singulargirl — June 28, 2009 @ 12:53 pm