Snake City: Bites Back

Snake City: Bites Back delves into the intriguing, adrenaline-filled, and, at times, dangerous world of snake catching. Premiering in 2017 on National Geographic WILD, the series is a riveting display of courage, conservation, and coexistence in the heart of Durban, South Africa – a city renowned for its diverse and often venomous snake population.

The series primarily follows snake expert Simon Keys and his partner, Siouxsie Gillett, who is a herpetologist. Together, they are undeniably the heart and driving force of Snake City: Bites Back. Simon's affinity and respect for snakes, coupled with his vast experience and knowledge, make him an ideal protagonist to tackle the serpentine challenges that Durban throws at him. Similarly, Siouxsie's scientific expertise and courageous spirit make her an equally compelling figure to watch.

In each episode, the daring duo goes on a mission to respond to frantic distress calls from residents encountering some of the world's most dangerous snakes in their ordinary urban environments. These snakes have often wandered into homes, offices, and schools, creating havoc and fear among the people. Equipped with little more than their bare hands, a snake bag, and their comprehensive knowledge of serpents, Simon and Siouxsie work tirelessly to remove these misunderstood creatures from conflict situations, ensuring both the safety of people and the snakes.

Snake City: Bites Back is a striking combination of a reality show and documentary style storytelling that successfully captures the tension, risks, and unexpected twists in every snake capture. Every episode reveals the critical balance between human urbanization and the wildlife who struggle to maintain their territory in the face of such expansion. It uncovers the growing conflicts between humans and snakes in a developing city and the measures taken to mitigate them.

The series also aims to break the common prejudices and myths about snakes. Geared with a clear mission to conserve and protect these exceptional creatures, Simon and Siouxsie share insightful information about different snake species, their behavior, and their importance in the ecosystem. Through their adventures, they are demonstrating that these creatures, widely feared and often killed out of dread, are, in fact, an integral part of our biodiversity.

Moreover, the show isn't strictly centered on snake catching. It also highlights Simon and Siouxsie's efforts to educate the public about snake behavior and safe interaction methods. They regularly take part in community talks and school visits, where they teach children and adults to appreciate nature more and fear it less. This educational aspect adds a deeper dimension to the episodes, going beyond the thrill of the capture and the adrenaline-stirring excitement.

The cinematography of Snake City: Bites Back is worth mentioning. It is fantastic, scarier at times, yet beautiful. Every episode brings to the audience the incredible panorama of Durban's cityscape contrasted with its rich biodiversity, often culminating in an exhilarating snake chase or capture. Close-up shots of different snake species, from mambas, cobras to puff adders, pulsate with life, danger, and beauty. It gives the audience a chance to marvel at these creatures up close, in a way they would never dare to in real life.

Viewers also get to see the backdrop of South Africa's beautiful landscapes - its urban areas, striking coastlines, and lush forests, home to an extraordinary number of snake species. The scenic shots are woven into the narrative seamlessly, highlighting South Africa's unique biodiversity and the urgency to protect it.

In essence, Snake City: Bites Back is a celebration of snakes, capturing the exhilaration, tension, and danger of snake rescue with equal parts of love and respect for these creatures. It's a show for snake enthusiasts, animal lovers, and adrenaline junkies but also for anyone who respects wildlife and is intrigued by the natural world's fascinating complexity. Moreover, with Simon and Siouxsie as guides, audiences are bound to relish each of their snake-catching escapades, learning something new in the process.