Low antivenom stocks as snake season looms

Namibia is facing a shortage of snakebite antivenom just as the summer season approaches, the Snake Conservation Association of Namibia (SCAN) has warned.

SCAN member Kosie Henn said it was important for the public to know how to respond to snake encounters.

“Do not attempt to catch or kill snakes. Keep a distance and call us. Keep your eyes on the snake so we know where it goes and wait for a catcher to get there,” Henn said.

SCAN is working to expedite the procurement of additional antivenom, Henn added, and urged the public to contact the organisation rather than attempt to handle snakes themselves.

"We encourage the public to call SCAN and not attempt any risky behaviour that could cause bite incidents."

Data

SCAN recorded 578 snake retrievals across 35 species during the 2025/2026 season, according to the organisation's data.

The zebra spitting cobra was the most frequently encountered species overall, with the highest concentration of calls in the Khomas region.

The stiletto snake was responsible for the most bite injuries, with eight recorded cases.

The report highlighted significant regional variations in snake encounters, with the central Khomas/Brakwater area recording 265 removals, where the zebra snake and the puff adder dominated callouts.

High conflict was also recorded in Rehoboth with 141 catches, led by zebra snakes and Cape cobras, while Otjiwarongo saw 80 retrievals dominated by boomslangs and zebra snakes.

Meanwhile, Katima Mulilo recorded 53 callouts, with Anchieta’s cobras the most prevalent species. There were also 18 callouts in Karibib, 17 in Grootfontein, 14 in Tsumeb and three in Okahandja.