Nick Evans plunges into barbed wire during Black Mamba rescue
Bolt cutters were needed to help cut Evans free from the barbed wire.
WHILE on a call to retrieve a venomous Black Mamba from a property in Westville, local snake rescuer, Nick Evans, became wrapped up in another spot of drama when his leg was caught in barbed wire.
When he arrived at the scene he learned the snake was in the neighbouring property.
Fearless, he climbed the wall and balanced on a metal shaft drilled into the wall.
“I leaned over, but the snake quickly curled up under palm leaves. I reached out to pull the palm leaves with my tongs but I fell, right onto where the mamba was hiding,” said Evans.
In shock, he jumped up and realised his right leg was caught in barbed wire.
The pain, he said, was ‘next level’.
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The homeowner slid a ladder over the wall, which Evans used to hold himself up.
“Try as might, I could not free myself. I couldn’t even see the hooks because of the bush,” said Evans.
Evans called for emergency assistance and within minutes a local police officer, Wynand Laatz, arrived at the scene.
Paramedics were also dispatched to the scene.
The paramedic administered a small dose of morphine while Laantz, using bolt cutters, freed him.
“After doing my best not to faint, I came right again, and managed to climb back over. No horrific wounds, but the cuts did go septic, but I have undergone treatment,” said Evans.
To protect the rescuers involved, Evans chased the snake away prior to their arrival.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
