SIFUNINDLELA – A man in his his early 30’s was killed after he was bitten by a Black Mamba.

According to an eyewitness the man was with others on the field when the slithering creature surprised them.

“I think the snake got defensive when they tried to kill it. They then tried to run away when they so it becoming too vicious and unfortunately the man was bitten,” said the witness.-

Local police were called and the man was rushed to hospital but he was certified dead on arrival. According to the police a search for the snake was conducted and it was found and taken to the local police station.

Here are tips from Siyabona Africa Nature on what to do if you encounter a snake in the bush.

*When hiking in the bush it is important that you do not pick up, poke or provoke any snake that you come across, even if it appears to be dead- some snakes such as the Rinkhals play dead, and can strike if disturbed.

*If you discover a snake, do not approach it closely. If you step on a snake or are very close to a Puff adder then move away quickly.

*If the snake is only about a meter away, freeze at first and see the snakes reaction – it will likely look for an escape route. If it is cornered, back away slowly. If you move slowly you are not perceived as a threat and the snake is less likely to strike.-

*Observe the snake. If the snake stays slithering on the ground it will likely move away and not strike. If the snake rears up like a cobra and flattens its neck to form a hood then it is aggressive and is likely to strike and you need to act with caution. Pythons and adders move forward in a straight line, other snakes move using side-to-side undulations.

Treatment of snake bites

If you are bitten by a neurotoxic snake such as a cobra or mamba

* Stay calm and breathe gently.
* Immediately apply a crepe bandage firmly around the wound, as if for a muscle sprain. This will reduce the amount of venom entering the bloodstream but should not cut off circulation .
* Do not apply a tourniquet .
* Never try and suck the venom out .
*Transport the person to hospital as soon as possible as these snakes have potent venom and anti-venom will be needed.

If you are bitten by a cytotoxic snake such as an adder.

* Drink plenty of fluid unless you have trouble swallowing.
* Apply a sterile dressing to the wound.
* Never try and suck the venom out with your mouth.
* Do not squeeze the bite.
* Do not apply a tight bandage or tourniquet.

*Transport the person to hospital as soon as possible.