Snake catcher responds to frequent questions he receives about Black Mambas
In his Facebook post, Nick Evans also explains about the large number of Black Mamba sightings in the Westville area.
ALTHOUGH Black Mambas are active all year round, spring is their time to search for food. In recent weeks, Durban snake catcher Nick Evans has received numerous calls to remove Black Mambas, especially in the Westville area, hence the question, ‘Why are there so many Black Mambas in Westville?’
Evans said his followers read about Westville rescues frequently on his Facebook page because it’s an area he covers.
According to the snake catcher, Black Mambas are common in most nature reserves or valleys in the Greater Durban area.
Also read: Snake catcher kept busy with Black Mamba rescues
He highlighted that people reside in homes bordering the Roosfontein Nature Reserve (Queensburgh); the North Park Nature Reserve (Northdene and Shallcross); the green belt running below Glenmore/Carrington Heights; the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve (Yellowwood Park, Seaview); the Silverglen Nature Reserve (Chatsworth); and [those in] valleys in Reservoir Hills and Newlands West, Mt Moreland, Verulam, Inanda, Molweni and Shongweni may all experience mamba sightings.
In his post, Evans responded to the questions he is often asked about Black Mambas to help people understand the species better:
When are they active?
“They are active all year round. Late May to August is mating season. In spring, they’re looking for food, and in early summer, females lay eggs. The rest of the summer, they’re cruising around, hunting house rats, juvenile dassies and feral kittens.
Why are there so many snakes in Westville?
He mentioned that most Westville homes won’t encounter mambas as these homes do not border or are not near reserves/valleys. “I’m not talking about parks.
“If you think about it, or better, look on Google Earth, you’ll see that Westville has plentiful habitat. The Dawncliffe area is almost surrounded by the Roosfontein and Paradise Valley Nature Reserves, which connect. Between Westville Central and Westville North is the Palmiet Nature Reserve. The river and valley flow down past the Westwood area. The Dunkeld Road area of Westville North has a large valley separating it from Clermont.
“So, three valleys surround or [intersect] a large suburban area. There are homes all along the edges of these valleys, and so, such homes are the ones that generally encounter mambas. But some people can live in/on the edge of prime mamba habitat for 20 years and never see one. There’s no guarantee you’ll encounter one,” explains Evans.
Do Black Mambas attack?
Evans said that bites in Durban are very rare and are mostly inflicted on those trying to kill or capture them.
“They’ll do anything they can to avoid conflict. They’re terrified of us. Bites on dogs are more common as dogs attack and usually kill mambas, which can’t escape but rarely get away unscathed and live. (Urgent veterinary attention is needed.)
What do they feed on?
He said that Black Mambas feed on juvenile dassies/hyrax, hence their fondness for valleys, especially cliffs; rats, so keep your storerooms and yards tidy; feral kittens; and birds.
“So, yes, [there is] plenty of food for them around Durban. They spend a lot of time basking in trees but will hunt along cliffs, on the ground or around properties and are mostly active during the day.”
For snake removals or advice, contact Nick Evans on 072 809 5806 or nickevanskzn@gmail.com.
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