MOKOPANE – Knowledge is power, and with this in mind, Bosveld spoke to local snake expert, Pieter Swanepoel, about snakes, specifically the black mamba, which is commonly found in Limpopo.
This is what he said:
The black mamba is a long, slender snake, that on average reaches anything between 2 m to 2,5 m, with larger individuals reaching some 3 m. The maximum known length is 4,3 m. This snake’s head is coffin shaped and the inside of its mouth is black, which is the reason for its name. Its colour is never pitch black but becomes darker just before shedding. The normal colour is a light to dark grey, or various shades of brown and olive. The underside of this snake is lighter in colour and can be plain or mottled towards the tail. The black mambas are most active during the day and can be found in termite mounds, hollow trees, burrows, rocky areas and savannas. It actively hunts rodents, squirrels, small mammals, birds and other snakes.
What to do when bitten:
• Forget what you saw in movies. Do not cut the wound open or try to suck the poison out.
• Do not apply a tourniquet indiscriminately.
• Do not inject anything in the bite area or rub any substance onto the bite.
• Do not apply ice or shock the wound with a stun gun.
•It is very important to always identify the snake that bit you.
•The black mamba has neurotoxic venom, which is absorbed into the blood circulation system, so restrict movement until proper first aid is in place and keep the victim’s airway clear.
• The only first aid advisable at this point is an arterial tourniquet, which can be applied as follows: Apply a broad bandage or ligature (50 mm) around the upper arm in case the snake bit the victim on the hand or forearm. The bandage should be applied on the upper leg if the snake bit the victim on the foot or lower leg. The tourniquet should be tight enough to prevent inflow and outflow of any blood. Make a note of the time you applied the tourniquet. Do not keep it in place for more than one and a half hours as permanent damage to the limb may be caused. Never make use of a tourniquet if the snake is not identified as an adder or a spitting cobra. The victim must be transported to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
• Treatment: If you are the first aid helper, monitor the vital signs and prepare to assist the victim by placing the victim in a coma position. If the victim loses consciousness and stops breathing, artificial respiration (mouth to mouth resuscitation, bag and mask) must be administered, and CPR if the heart fails.
• At the hospital it is very important to inform the doctors about the type of snake that caused the bite and at what time the bite occurred.
Antivenom will be administered if necessary.
For more information go to African Reptiles and Venom’s website at www.africanreptiles-venom.co.za.
