Warren Dick, a snake catcher and enthusiast from The Bluff in Durban, narrowly escaped death after being bitten by a black mamba on Thursday.

The ordeal began at 11:30 when Dick received a call about a black mamba being harassed by cats and hiding behind roof tiles in a Yellowwood Park home. “It was a large black mamba, but its location made for a relatively easy, drama-free catch,” he recalls.

Having long wanted to photograph a large black mamba professionally, Dick decided to seize the opportunity that afternoon. “My intention was to handle the snake until it exhausted itself, making it easier to photograph – a method I’ve successfully used with other snakes,” he says.

However, the situation quickly escalated. The agitated mamba, already on high alert, made a run for it as soon as it hit the grass. Despite Dick’s efforts to control it, the snake lunged forward, delivering a bite to his right knee. Initially dismissing the pain, he soon realised the gravity of the situation as a sharp, burning sensation set in.

Recognising the need for urgent medical attention, Dick restrained the snake and placed it back in the bucket before attempting to drive himself to Albert Luthuli Hospital. On his way, his symptoms from the bite began to overwhelm him, forcing him to pull over and call for assistance. Miscommunications delayed his transportation, and he arrived at the hospital nearly an hour after the bite.

“Upon arrival, a team of five specialist doctors promptly administered treatment. They prepared 10 vials of antivenom and gave me a shot of adrenaline to prevent anaphylactic shock. Despite initial adverse reactions, the antivenom began to take effect. The doctors then sedated me and put me on a ventilator,” Dick says.

The next day, he experienced a surreal state of partial consciousness and paralysis. Throughout, he remained calm and prayed, believing that ‘God’s got this’. By 08:00, he was fully conscious and breathing on his own. “The pipes were taken out around 09:45. I was relieved but still felt terrible,” he says.

Now at home and recovering, Dick reflected on his near-fatal encounter. “That which the enemy meant to destroy me, God saw me through and brought me back from because His work with me is not done yet,” he says.

Despite the harrowing experience, he remains committed to his passion of working with misunderstood creatures albeit with newfound caution. “I just want to thank everyone for all the love, care, support and prayers,” Dick says.

He extends a special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at Albert Luthuli Hospital for saving his life. “This experience won’t stop me from following my God-given passion,” he adds.