UPDATE: Ballito snake handler back at work after mamba bite
Janslang van Rooyen was not in any danger and was discharged later that day.
The snake-catcher who was bitten by a black mamba last Friday is now fully recovered and back at work.
Janslang van Rooyen (50), a Ndlondlo Reptile Park employee was rushed to hospital after a black mamba bit him on his thumb while he was preparing the reptile for a photoshoot.
Neville Wolmarans of the Sugar Rush-based park just outside Ballito, said Van Rooyen was not in any danger and was discharged later that day.
“He showed no signs of envenomation and was back at work the next day. It was a small bite on his thumb but we called the paramedics as a precaution.”
Also read: Black Mamba bites Ballito snake catcher
Wolmarans said all their reptiles were wild and rescued.
He added that while professional snake catchers knew how to deal with the species, people needed to take caution and also insist on immediate medical attention if they were bitten by a snake.
The key to identifying a black mamba is by its size.
This snake is born at least half a metre long and at two years old, it could grow up to two metres.
They are also rather thick and robust with stumpy tails. Many people think black mambas are black but they are actually usually grey and white in color.
If you encounter a black mamba:
- Don’t let it out of your sight.
Womarans advised that if you saw a black mamba trying to get into your house, allow it in and then call a professional snake catcher.
“Obviously when you let the snake in, you should try and get out of the house or into a separate room. But letting it in makes it much easier to find and catch the snake. Once it escapes into a bush, we may not be able to find it on the day and it is likely to return.”
- Do not interact
“Do not get too close to the snake but while maintaining a distance, ensure that you do not lose sight of it.”
- Get to the hospital if bitten
“First aid generally takes longer so rather get to the hospital as soon as possible.”
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