Back in January this year, I was called to this remarkable scene, where a Black Mamba had curled up between a mattress & bed base, tucked away inside a rats nest (there were no more rats..)
As you will see, I had a brave helper, who managed to hold the mattress up for me for just as long as I needed, before he decided it was time to move :) I am grateful to him, and to the community for calling to have this snake saved.
No, I am not sure whether the mamba had been there the whole night, under a sleeping person, or not.
Quite a place to find one, hey?
Black Mambas often navigate through informal settlements such as this, rarely ever biting anyone, despite ample opportunity (I have never been called to/about such a scene). They do get attacked by panicked people, from time to time, unfortunately. Occasionally, snake removers like myself are called. This is a safer option for the residents, because hitting a Black Mamba will make the snake want to hit you- it has no choice.
Working with Durban's Black Mambas has taught me that these snakes do not want to bite people, and despite being around human dwellings looking for food, they'll try and avoid any form of conflict.
Tongs: @africansnakebiteinstitute
~Nick Evans
072 809 5806
nickevanskzn@gmail.com
