THE colour of a black mamba’s skin varies from grey to dark brown, but you are sure to turn ’50 shades of grey’ when you watch the Sarel van der Merwe rescue one of these serpents.
Sarel recently bagged an almost two metre long black mamba in a store room in Munster.
Described as one of the most dangerous snakes in the world, catching one of these beauties takes skill and guts.
Once Sarel was in the store room (which between you and me needs a spring clean) the snake tried to escape by slithering into the roof trusses.
However, quick-thinking Sarel said this actually made it easier for him to nab it. “It’s the second black mamba I’ve caught in the same store room,” he added.
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In a threat display, the mamba usually opens its inky black mouth, spreads its narrow neck-flap and sometimes hisses. It is capable of striking at considerable range and occasionally may deliver a series of bites in rapid succession. Its venom is primarily composed of potent neurotoxins that may cause fast onset of symptoms. Despite its reputation for being formidable and highly aggressive, like most snakes, it usually attempts to flee from humans unless threatened or cornered. Not being proximal to humans, bites from the black mamba are not frequent – Wikipedia
On Monday this week Sarel was called to Margate where he caught a green mamba at a cane furniture repair factory. Work at the factory had slithered to a stop until Sarel came to the rescue.
This ‘big green’ measured two metres in length.
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Anyone who needs a snake caught can contact Sarel at 082 6831604.
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