Africazine:
A black mamba’s unusual meal made its capture a delicate task in Durban.
Nick Evans, a snake rescuer, and his wife Carla responded to a call about a black mamba at a friend’s home in Westville North. The snake, having consumed a large meal, was slower than usual, which aided in its retrieval.
Black Mamba Rescue in Durban’s Westville North
The black mamba was spotted climbing a tree near a cliff, a location known for its mamba habitat. Evans has previously caught many black mambas at this property, which also features a healthy dassie population, providing potential food sources for the snakes.
Equipped with long tongs, Evans faced a challenge as the snake was on a branch out of reach of his one-metre tongs. He opted for his 1.8-metre tongs from the African Snakebite Institute, which have proven effective in past rescues at the same location.
Evans carefully reached out to grab the snake below its large meal, allowing Carla to support its upper body with the shorter tongs. Their teamwork was crucial in moving the snake safely onto flat ground.
South Africa: Key figures on Black Mamba Rescue
- Black mamba measured under two metres
- Snake had eaten a large meal
Challenges of Snake Retrieval in Urban Areas
Evans noted that the black mamba’s size and the large meal it had consumed made the rescue more complex. The snake’s prey remains uncertain, with Evans suspecting it could have been a large rat or a decent-sized bird. Such rescues highlight the importance of understanding snake behavior and habitat.
Next Steps for Snake Rescues
- Continue monitoring the area for snake activity
- Educate the community on snake safety and habitat
Teamwork and preparation are key in safely rescuing snakes like the black mamba.
