Four Black Mambas removed in Inanda valley in a week
The snake will be monitored and released in a safe location in a few days.
HIGHWAY snake catcher, Nick Evans was called on the weekend to remove a Black Mamba in Inanda Valley on Saturday. This was his fourth rescue he was called out for in a week. Evans said the snake was spotted by a young man as he entered the lounge.
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“He saw a Black Mamba come in the front door. The snake tried to find cover, which it did, under a TV cabinet. When it moved across the room, the young man ran out the room, and called his dad,” said Evans who was out with researchers to release some mambas when he received the call.
“We fetched the caller, the young man’s father, from his place of work in Everton, so that he could lead the way for us. After a long drive, into the Maphephetheni area of Inanda, we finally arrived. The dad wasn’t happy that the front door was left open, and neither were we. However, the son had thankfully been keeping tabs on the mambas movements through a window,” said Evans.
When they walked in, there was a strong smell of Jeye’s Fluid.
“It’s a terrible, strong smell. It was everywhere. I had to obviously get on my knees to look under the TV cabinet, but I absolutely dreaded that. I had to just do it though.
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“The young man’s identification of the snake was spot on, it was most certainly a Black Mamba. Quite a big one too. As we were looking under the cabinet, a flipping toad hopped out, right by face. The fright I got when that happened,” said the snake catcher.
Evans reached in with the tongs, and pinned down the snake quickly.
“It was soaked in Jeye’s Fluid, but encouragingly, still strong. I rushed it to an outside tap, and we gave it a good rinse with water. Later, at home, I rinsed it off with Sunlight.
“Jeye’s Fluid is a toxic chemical not meant for animals. It’s useless as a repellent. It doesn’t chase snakes away either. However, if poured on snakes, the snakes suffer a slow death, as they suffocate.
“Please do not use it for snakes or any animal,” pleaded Evans.
He added that he does get a few Inanda mambas a year but has never had more than one in a week.
“This week I’ve had four! Every mamba contributes to our ongoing research project, an extra bonus for me. After a few days of monitoring it, I’ll be releasing it,” he said.
For snake removals or advise, contact Nick Evans on 072 809 5806 or email nickevanskzn@gmail.com.
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