What started as a local space for snake lovers has become one of the most influential snake education communities on Earth… and it’s proudly South African.
South Africa (08 May 2025) – If you’re one of the many who flinch at the sight of a snake or feel a shiver at the thought of one slithering nearby, you’re not alone. But there’s a group of passionate South Africans working to change that… one hiss at a time.
Snakes of Southern Africa, a Facebook group dedicated to snake awareness and education, has just crossed a milestone that is nothing short of remarkable: over 500,000 followers!!! That’s half a million people engaging in daily conversations about snakes, not to spread fear, but to share knowledge, encourage conservation and promote peaceful coexistence.
That makes it one of the largest and most active snake-focused communities on the planet.
And before you clutch your pearls, this isn’t just about snake selfies or wild bush encounters. This group is making a real-world difference.
Snakes get a bad rap. Hollywood hasn’t helped and neither has old family folklore. But the Snakes of Southern Africa community has become a trusted space where myths are gently uncoiled and replaced with science-backed facts.
“Education is at the heart of everything we do,” say the group admins. From recognising venomous snakes to understanding their role in our ecosystem, the group has helped thousands of people feel more informed and less afraid. There are detailed species profiles, easy ID charts, even kids snake cards designed to teach the younger generation that snakes aren’t scary — they’re fascinating.
This group isn’t just about chat, it’s action-oriented. With habitat loss, road kills, and misguided killings threatening snake populations across the continent, awareness is more urgent than ever. The group’s growing online presence is helping raise the profile of often misunderstood species and highlighting just how vital they are in nature’s food web.
Every snake sighting posted, every hitchhiker snake identified (yes, they do sneak into garden pots and trailers), adds to an ever-growing informal database. It’s become so valuable that researchers now use these sightings to extend known species ranges and deepen their understanding of snake behaviours. And perhaps one of the most impactful parts of this group is its Snake Rescuer Network, a country-wide list of vetted, trained professionals who can safely relocate snakes when needed. It’s become a lifeline for anyone who finds an unwanted visitor in their kitchen, garden, or pool filter. There’s even a growing connection to the medical field. In snakebite cases where time is critical, members often help identify the snake responsible, offering critical information that supports accurate treatment, especially when the snake is positively IDed via photos or videos.
Through the power of community, shared experience, and a splash of bravery, Snakes of Southern Africa is helping to change the narrative. Snakes aren’t the villains. They’re vital members of our ecosystem. And when you learn to understand them, maybe even appreciate them, they’re a lot less scary. The group has become a one-stop hub for resources: beautifully designed posters, quick-reference charts, and even fun educational tools that can be printed and shared in schools and homes. It’s bringing people together, changing perspectives, and most importantly… saving lives.
So the next time you spot a snake, don’t panic, maybe take a photo (from a safe distance), share it with the group, and join the growing movement that’s turning fear into fascination… one scale at a time.
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