Snakes Found Around Shark Bay
These are the species most commonly reported in and around Langebaan, Shark Bay, and the surrounding West Coast fynbos. Report any sightings using the form at the bottom of this page.
One of the most dangerous snakes in South Africa. Golden-yellow to dark brown in colour, 1.2–1.8m long. Found in fynbos and along rocky coastal areas. Neurotoxic venom — bites require immediate hospitalisation. Do not approach. Back away slowly.
South Africa's most common cause of snakebite. Heavy-bodied, patterned in brown and tan chevrons. Sluggish but strikes fast when disturbed. Cytotoxic venom causes severe tissue damage. Most bites occur when people step on them — always watch where you walk in sandy areas.
Bright green (males) or brown (females), with large distinctive eyes. Arboreal — usually found in bushes and trees rather than on the ground. Haemotoxic venom is highly potent but boomslang are shy and bites are rare. Do not handle.
Small, slender, and uniformly dark. Feeds almost exclusively on centipedes and rarely bites humans. Frequently found under rocks and in loose sandy soil around the bay. Completely harmless to people but easily mistaken for more dangerous species — leave it alone.
Large, powerful, and non-venomous — but will bite if handled and can cause significant lacerations. Brown to black, up to 2m long. Common in sandy soils around the lagoon where it hunts moles and rodents. Leave it alone and it will move on.
A beautiful, iridescent olive-green snake with an orange vertebral stripe. Completely harmless and beneficial — feeds on rodents and lizards. Often found in and around buildings and garden walls in Langebaan. A welcome visitor to any property.
Small, stocky, and dark with a cream underside. Feeds entirely on slugs and snails. One of the most frequently encountered harmless snakes in gardens around Langebaan. Often mistaken for a dangerous species — it is completely harmless.
Recent Sightings
Photos submitted by visitors and local residents. If you spot a snake around Shark Bay or Langebaan, use the report form below to add yours.
What to Do If You See a Snake
Stay calm and back away slowly. Keep children and pets away. If indoors, close the door to the room and block the gap underneath. Note the snake's colour, size, and pattern if safe to do so. Call a professional snake handler.
Never try to pick up, corner, or kill a snake. Do not poke it with a stick. Most bites happen when people try to handle or kill a snake. Most snakes will leave on their own if given space and time — simply step back and observe from a distance.
Report a Sighting
Seen a snake around Shark Bay or Langebaan? Help us build a record of local snake activity by reporting your sighting below.
African Snakebite Institute
The ASI is South Africa's leading authority on snakebite treatment, snake identification, and snake safety education. Their website contains detailed identification guides, first aid protocols, and a directory of snake handlers across the country.
Visit ASI Website →The free ASI app lets you identify snakes from photos, access emergency first aid information, and — most usefully — find the contact details of registered snake catchers in your area. Essential if you live on or visit the West Coast.