Black mamba encounters spark concern among Lowveld’s residents
Two encounters with black mambas have raised questions about the prevalence of snake activity. Snake catcher and expert, Chris Hobkirk, addresses these concerns and provides valuable advice in case of an encounter with a snake.
During the last few weeks, two encounters with black mambas have caused a stir in the Lowveld region, raising questions about the prevalence of snake activity.
The first incident involved Luna, a 5.5kg Jack Russell, who miraculously survived a black mamba bite after receiving prompt veterinary care, including two vials of antivenom and intensive care monitoring.
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Luna’s owners noticed symptoms such as vomiting, shaking and difficult breathing, and jumped into action.
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Another noteworthy incident occurred at the Mbombela Golf Club, where golfers witnessed a rare stand-off between a black mamba and a mongoose on the 12th hole. Captured on video and widely shared on social media, the encounter has left observers in awe.
The club’s CEO, Darren Plumb, advised golfers to exercise caution on the 12th hole. The snake’s species was confirmed by an expert and snake catcher, Chris Hobkirk.
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Despite the recent attention on social media, Hobkirk reassures the public that snake activity in the Lowveld remains consistent with previous years, based on the number of snake rescues since October 2023.
By remaining vigilant and taking proactive measures, both humans and pets can safely navigate encounters with snakes in the Lowveld.
In light of these incidents, Hobkirk offers valuable advice for encountering snakes:
• Maintain a safe distance from the snake.
• If possible, take a photograph for identification purposes.
• Contact a professional snake catcher or your security company for assistance.
• Keep visual contact with the snake, while waiting for help to arrive.
Hobkirk emphasises the importance of not attempting to capture the snake independently, as it takes trained professionals 10 to 15 minutes to respond to calls for assistance, minimising the risk of snakebites.
Furthermore, Dr Nicola Colborne of West Acres Animal Hospital provides essential advice for pet owners:
• Promptly investigate if your pet exhibits unusual behaviour such as barking.
• In the event of a snake encounter, call your pet to safety and seek veterinary assistance immediately if a bite occurs or is suspected.
• Familiarise yourself with common symptoms of snakebites, including swelling, discoloration of the mouth, difficulty breathing, drowsiness or bleeding.
• Prepare for emergencies by saving your veterinarian’s contact information and consider obtaining pet insurance to cover the cost of antivenom, which can be expensive.
