FROM the beginnning of December to the end of February, there is no rest for Durban North’s snake man, Jason Arnold. The 37-year-old said he has recieved a number of call-outs for these snakes, considered to be one of Africa’s most dangerous and feared species. Arnold recently captured a female black mamba measuring 2.6 metres from a home in Phoenix.
“The residents did what you should do when you spot a deadly snake. They followed the snake but kept a safe distance from her and were careful not to disturb her or make her feel threatened. They then called me to rescue her.
“Between December and February, the increase in mamba sightings accelerates. There is no scientific reason why, but I think because they have such fast metabolisms and with the increasing temperatures, they require food more regularly,” he said.
The former Northlands Primary School pupil said a number of bites occur over this period.
“The best thing to do is monitor the snake and call in a professional. Don’t try to approach them or chase them away. They are highly aggressive and when threatened, can inject a large volume of venom with one strike,” he said.
He added there had also been an increase in sightings of herald snakes, bush snakes and brown house snakes, all of which are harmless.
In September this year, Arnold rescued a massive rock python from an uMhlanga construction site, while in January this year, a Sunningdale woman was bitten by a venomous stiletto snake.
