Spotlight: Steve Meighan from Deep South Reptile Rescue

This month, we’re shining a light on Steve Meighan, a man whose lifelong passion for reptiles has transformed into a mission of conservation and education. With over 30 years of experience in snake catching and reptile awareness, Steve has dedicated his life to changing perceptions about these often-misunderstood creatures. From daring rescues to myth-busting education efforts, his work is as fascinating as it is impactful.

A Childhood Love Turned Lifelong Mission

Steve’s fascination with reptiles began in his youth. Growing up in his neighborhood, he quickly earned a reputation as “the snake guy.” Neighbors would call on him whenever a scaly visitor made an appearance, seeking his help with identification or relocation. This childhood hobby eventually became his calling, setting him on a path to educate and protect both humans and snakes.

The Challenges of Snake Catching

Snake catching isn’t all adrenaline-filled rescues. According to Steve, the real challenge lies in changing people's deep-rooted fears into respect. “The difference between fear and respect is knowledge,” he says. Dispelling myths and fostering understanding is a daily battle.

There’s also the physical danger of handling venomous snakes and the bureaucratic red tape that comes with conservation work. Add to that the lack of financial support, and it’s clear that this isn’t a job for the faint-hearted. But Steve remains undeterred, finding each experience—no matter how risky—a learning opportunity.

Memorable Rescues: From the Bizarre to the Heartwarming

Steve’s career is filled with unforgettable moments, from intricate rescues involving snakes trapped in chicken mesh to forging lifelong friendships with people he’s helped. One of his most intense rescues sounds like something out of an action movie.

At 2:30 a.m., Steve received a frantic call from a woman who claimed there was a snake on her feet—in bed! With no way to enter the house normally, Steve had to scale the garage, climb onto the veranda, and slip through the unlocked bedroom sliding door. Sure enough, a red-lipped herald snake had made itself comfortable on her toes. After carefully removing the snake, Steve spent the rest of the night educating the terrified but grateful woman over a cup of coffee.

And then there was the time he flushed a Cape cobra out of a toilet—a story that left even seasoned security guards with newfound fears of bathroom breaks!

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions

One of the biggest hurdles Steve faces is combating misinformation. From the idea that pythons “size people up” for meals to myths of snakes lying in wait under mats, the misconceptions are endless. “Snakes aren’t aggressive,” Steve explains. “They’re defensive. They don’t want to hurt people or pets; they just want to survive.”

He also emphasizes the critical role snakes play in ecosystems. Without them, agriculture would suffer as rodents and birds devour crops unchecked.

Education as a Tool for Change

Education is at the heart of Steve’s mission. Through community talks, youth programs, and social media, he’s working tirelessly to spread awareness. He believes wildlife education should be a part of the school curriculum, giving children the tools to understand and respect the creatures in their backyards.

Steve also runs snake awareness programs tailored to different audiences. Whether he’s demonstrating the elegance of a puff adder to an adult audience or introducing children to friendly corn snakes, his goal is always the same: to replace fear with understanding.

Advice for Snake Encounters

So, what should you do if you find a snake in your home? Steve’s advice is simple:

• Stay calm and keep a safe distance (3-5 meters).
• Don’t try to catch or kill the snake.
• Take a photo for identification, if possible, and contact a professional snake handler.

For those in the Western Cape, Steve and his team at Catchers United are just a WhatsApp message away. For assistance, contact me via Deep South Reptile Rescue on social media or WhatsApp (064 681 0779).

Through collaboration, education, and conservation, we can continue to make a difference.

Final Thoughts: Respect Through Knowledge

Steve’s journey is a testament to his passion for reptiles and conservation. Despite the challenges, he continues to inspire others to respect these misunderstood creatures. His parting words are a reminder for us all: “We are not born scared of snakes; it’s a learned behavior. It’s our responsibility to learn to respect them because they’re so important to us and our environment.”

To learn more or get in touch with Steve, visit Deep South Reptile Rescue or the Western Cape Herpetological Association. And remember, the next time you encounter a snake, take a deep breath, step back, and let the experts handle it.