Rude awakening: Dawncliffe resident’s nap disturbed by massive Black Mamba

SNAKE handler, Nick Evans, is conducting new research for Black Mambas in the greater Durban area by having snakes measured, sexed, weighed, and tagged with a small microchip giving the snake an identification number before it is released.

This after Evans rescued a two and a half metre Black Mamba hiding in a resident’s bedroom cupboard in View Place, Dawncliffe (Westvillle) last Saturday afternoon.

He said this information can give him valuable data on any specimen of snake which may be recaptured (which is rare). He is also collecting genetic samples so every specimen is important.

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He said he didn’t believe it at first, as often people misidentify little house snakes as Black Mambas.

But he quickly realised what he was dealing with when she described it as three to four metres long.

“Black Mambas rarely exceed the three-metre mark, especially in Durban. The average length of adults is 2.2 metres to 2.5 metres. However, they can look that big to a frightened person,” said Evans.

On the way, Evans picked up his 91-year-old grandfather, David Gillies, who lived nearby.

“The homeowner and her sister had closed the door and stuffed towels underneath the door.”

“This is the best thing to do if there’s a snake in your bedroom and you want it removed. If the door is left open, the snake could go anywhere in the house, making a snake-catcher’s job extremely difficult,” said Evans.

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The homeowner explained she was taking a nap when she heard something moving in the room.

She looked next to her bed and saw the Black Mamba, it was slithering towards some drawers, away from her. Thinking quickly, she lifted up her duvet and used it as a shield, left the room safely to call for help.

She last saw the mamba trying to hide behind her drawers.

“I walked into the cluttered room very carefully, scanning for the snake. There was no sign of it.”

“Then I noticed the cupboard was slightly open and I had a strong feeling it would be in there. Sure enough, it was. I saw some of the body on a box, covered by hanging clothes.

“I got a little closer to inspect the snake, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw the nose of the snake sticking out of the clothes, a bit too close for comfort. I reversed very slowly,” said Evans.

He sat there observing this large mamba trying to climb up into the clothes. It was going up shirt sleeves, making it a very comical scene. The snake started to get a little agitated by being trapped in a cupboard so Evans decided it was time to capture it.

“Using my tongs, I pinned it down. It started thrashing, it wasn’t happy. Can’t blame it. I then got my chance, and I grabbed it behind its head with my hand.”

“I had the mamba safely secured. It musked all over me, giving off a strong peppery/curry smell. Better than getting bitten I suppose,” said Evans.

He allowed the homeowner’s sister to touch it, before having a photo taken with his grandfather. He then put it in a bucket, and they headed home.

ALSO READ: Large Black Mamba caught in Escombe

Evans also captured another two and a half metre mamba in an informal settlement in Clare Estate recently. The snake looked more terrified of the noise that was coming from the crowds of people who gathered at the site. He urged residents not to kill these creatures.

“Killing them puts you at a greater risk of being bitten”

“Rather let them move off into the bush by themselves, if they have the option, or call a snake handler to safely remove and relocate it. Snakes play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment, so conserving them is of great importance,” said Evans.

He added that should anyone be bitten by a Black Mamba, a rare occurrence, he/she needs to get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. (St Augustine’s Hospital is well equipped to deal with snake bites).

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