WATCH: Is Durban becoming the new hotspot for snake encounters like Australia?

Is Durban becoming the new Australia?

Concerned netizens have raised this question after a video of a snake went viral on TikTok.

A social media user, @lehlohonolo_maphatlalats, shared a video showing a snake peeking its head out of a toilet bowl.

In the video titled “Pov: You relocated to Durban”, a person enters a public restroom, and as they approach a private stall, the snake is spotted peering out from the toilet.

The snake quickly retreats into the toilet after approximately 17 seconds.

“We see astonishing things here in Durban,” remarked the TikTok user.

The video has since garnered over 1.4 million views, prompting users to question where, when and at what time this incident occurred.

Below are some comments from netizens on the video:

@l0wloh said: “I didn’t have a problem with this video until the snake started reversing backwards.”

Another user, @nontando.dl, commented: “Not even a new fear unlocked. 😭 I’ve always had it.”

@berniiii shared: “It's always Durban. I remember we went there for holidays and saw a snake under my dad's car. I’ve never gone back to Durban since.”

While @lolobae103 added: “This is real. It once happened at our house in Bluff, Durban. Luckily, I wiped the toilet seat before I sat down, and that is how I saw it quickly.”

As temperatures rise across the country, snake encounters significantly increase during warmer weather in South Africa.

Snakes are ectothermic, meaning they become more active as temperatures rise, leading to greater movement for feeding, mating, and basking.

This heightened activity increases the likelihood of human-snake contact during "snake season," which runs from early spring to late summer.

Like Australia, snakes are quite common in Durban due to its numerous natural green spaces, resulting in frequent human-snake encounters.

To prevent snakes from entering your toilet, always keep the toilet lid closed, as they are attracted to dark, enclosed spaces.

It is also advised to seal any gaps in your home's plumbing and sewer system, including ventilation pipes, using wire mesh or by installing a one-way valve.