This was not necessary

I agree 100% with you Intrepid, although I'm very cautious for snakes (actually - terrified ) , but will not kill 1 in the berg.

That just kill my good mood for the day. What people must remember is that we are the once tresspasing on there turf, how would that guy feel if one walks into his house and clobber him with a stick. It is not on.

Seriously not good. I can't believe a hiker did this!!!

I have come across these little beasties on two occasions. Both times during winter funnily enough, on the one occasion it was having a good go at ST² boots. Very feisty.

This is very sad.

Had a close call not to long a go wher I could hear it hiss, but only saw it when it was strike my walking stick. That is why you use your walking stick to move them out of the way, not kill them. We are visitors in their domain.

One hopes it was not hikers, but people are strange in general! Native travellers will kill a snake without thinking. That is simply the primeval part of the brain kicking in. We fear what we do not understand.

One consideration might be that the damage was done by a Secretary Bird, or even a Denham's (Stanley's)Bustard. They can inflict severe damage to a snakes body, and this may explain the damage at the tail end.
Usually the killed snake is consumed, but the bird may have been disturbed in this instance. Large birds such as these, when disturbed, usually fly off at distance, so it may not have returned to find the kill.

Did you perhaps read the ground sign around the snake - prints, crushed grass, etc? - This may have given a better idea of what actually happened.
You can often read the 'story in the sand.'

Hope that put a bit of a positive spin on things:)

@JacquesBuys

"but will not kill 1 in the berg."

I sincerely hope that you will not kill one 'anywhere'.

It is simply our lack of understanding that creates the fear (as in everything).
Some ideas are to visit a well run snake park, and listen to the guides, and watch how they demonstrate a snakes response to danger.
Buy a book that explains more about the many snakes we have in SA, about toxicity and their habitats.
Snakes are generally creatures that will try their best to move away from danger before it gets to them, and only strike if cornered or seriously provoked.

On every occasion that we have encounterd snakes in the Berg, this much has been apparent. The snakes try to move away immediately, and only react when blocked or tugged at by the tail.

Bergies and Puffies lying on a trail are generally doing so in order to warm up. They are by nature fairly lethargic when doing so, and as a result do not always move out of the path quick enough. So keeping a sharp eye out, and wearing a good pair of boots with decent ankle length is always a bonus. I have received a good few taps from Berg Adders over the years.

Puff Adders are seldom found in the High Berg. Some of the venomous species higher up to watch out for would be Rinkhals (High berg) and Moz. Spitting (lower foothils) and Cape Cobras (Southern Berg only).

The Cape Cobra is dangerous and an aggressive snake. It will warn with a loud hiss, raised body and flaired neck. At this point, standing EXTREMELY still is of utmost importance. The snake will eventually drop to the ground and start to move away, but the slightest movement it detects will have it back up faster than lightning. I have had to face one near Ugie, and the snake stared me down for a good 3 minutes (felt longer!) before moving away. Moving my boot on the ground had it up in a flash!

Moz. and Rinkhals will try move away quite quickly, and the Rinkhals can sham death by rolling the front portion of the body over so that the throat faces up. Both spit venom in the general direction of the threat, so covering your face with a hat, or glasses over eyes can help. Again - standing still is the best option.

Attempting to kill a snake is placing yourself DIRECTLY in danger. The snake will defend itself, so the quickest will win. Rather leave well alone!

Sage advise, and he should know. Especially about the tail tugging anyhow!