Ballito dogs recovering at vet after Black Mamba encounter

UPDATE:

It is understood that both dogs are recovering well.

The Black Mamba has been euthanised after it was found it’s back had been broken in four places.

ORIGINAL STORY:

A Hilary Drive, Ballito Boerboel and Border Collie are being treated at the Ballito Veterinary Clinic today after a chance encounter with a juvenile Black Mamba.

Speaking to The North Coast Courier, Ndlondlo Reptile Park’s Neville Wolmarans said they were alerted to a dog which had been bitten and that the snake responsible for defending itself had been captured.

It was positively identified as a juvenile Black Mamba and had been badly injured during the encounter.

A neighbour to the property, Schalk Kleyn said both dogs had been given antivenom.

“I jumped over the wall to help.

“I ended up catching the snake without realising it was a Black Mamba,” said Schalk, who had been keeping an eye on his neighbour’s property while they were out of town.

“Diesel – Boerbboel – and Daisy – Border Collie – are at the vet.

” Diesel is struggling to lift his head and Daisy is vomiting.

“But they seem to be OK otherwise,” said the heroic Schalk.

Wolmarans said the snake was most likely from a late clutch, and had been severely undersized.

“The snake is rather small for this time of year,” he said.

The snake was most likely hatched around mid-March and owing to the rapid onset of winter, survival would be unlikely and the snake would have possibly ended up self-cannibalising. 

Self-cannibalising is the process of eating oneself.

The snake is also recovering from the encounter however, a full assessment will be conducted in the morning based on the snake’s mobility and possible internal injuries.

A decision on the snake’s future will then be made, Wolmarans said.

He warned people to be cautious and not engage with snakes – he urged people to rather contact him at 082 561 4969 to assist with the safe capture and relocation of snakes.