A 2.3m-long black mamba was relocated after it was found in a storage area of a large kitchen, hiding behind a bag of potatoes at a Westville home near Durban.

Evans said that this time of year, black mambas, and most species of snakes are hatching, but he emphasised that this does not mean Durban is about to be swarmed with young, bloodthirsty snakes.

In the past few days, he said he was kept busy at some business premises in Westville.

“Just before 08:00, I was sent a video of a small, dark snake on top of a shrub. I could tell it was a hatchling Black Mamba. Black Mambas hatch out at lengths of 50–60cm, about the length of this individual. Big babies. And yes, they are venomous from day one.”

Unfortunately for the young snake, it had been hit by something and its spine had been severed. It was euthanised.

“Just a few hours later, I was surprised to get a call from the same premises. Another black mamba had been found, but this one was no baby and, thankfully, was alive and well!

“It was in some trees next to the parking lot, making everyone feel a bit uneasy. The catch was nerve-racking, but I managed and had the plus-minus 2.1m mamba secure. I was delighted to be on the ground again after that,” said Evans.

He says it is important to remember that the mother snake is not nearby, watching her babies.

“That’s often the first fear that comes to mind when people encounter a juvenile snake – ‘Where’s the mother?’”

According to Evans, female snakes lay their eggs and leave them – the Southern African Python is an exception. The male snakes move off after mating.

“When the baby snakes hatch, they disperse – they don’t stick together for safety in numbers. As they disperse, they get picked off by predators, such as birds, monitor lizards, genets and mongoose. So, no, the hatching season doesn’t mean that it needs to be panic season,” said Evans.

He advised people not to ask a snake remover to come and find the nest as there is no nest to find, and the eggs are often laid underground.