SNAKE catcher, Nick Evans’ mamba drought ended yesterday (14 January), after he rescued a youngster from a wine rack in Westville.
Evans said the mamba, which he is yet to measure (he believes its is around 1.2 metres), was hiding in a wine rack in a home in Carlton Avenue in Dawncliffe.
“The homeowner had gone to get a bottle of wine to pour for her guests when she saw the snake’s tail disappearing inside. When they got closer to have a look at it with a torch, it opened up it’s mouth at them, exposing the pitch black inside – a warning to say “leave me alone!”. They then knew what it was,” said Evans.
He said it was an interesting sight and a quick and easy catch.
“Living on the border of the edge of a small valley, a sighting like this isn’t of huge surprise, although yes, seeing it in a wine rack is most unusual. The snake probably entered the home seeking a cool hiding spot on a hot day, or just figured it’s safe there,” said Evans.
Evans highlighted that the snake had not attacked anyone, it tried to hide away from people.
“Black Mambas, like all snakes, will rather retreat than defend themselves. They are animals that deserve to live, they deserve to be removed and relocated if need be. They do an exceptional job at controlling rat numbers,” said Evans.\For snake rescues and removals around the greater Durban area, contact Nick Evans on 072 809 5806. For educational work, you can email him at nickevanskzn@gmail.com.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts