Road closures delay snake catcher

The Mzimkulu River bridge’s closure delayed snake catcher Sarel van der Merwe‘s efforts to rescue a black mamba in Fairview, Umzumbe last week.

Sarel received a call for help from a contractor fixing a house, as a black mamba had made its way into the building.

On his way, Sarel forgot that the Sugar Mill Road was closed and he had to turn around, but was then faced with another problem in Fairview. The road was also closed due to road works.

Sarel had to park his vehicle and then walk more than 2km to the house.

He said he has never seen a happy mamba, and this one, was no different from the rest he has caught over the years.

“This one was a fighter, it had a thick body and was just under three metres in length.”

Then, poor Sarel had to walk another 2km back to his car.

Last month, Sarel helped a family in Bhobhoyi.

“After searching for the black mamba, I finally found it behind the fridge. It was safely placed in my travel box and I waved goodbye to a happy family,” he said.

One would think these snakes would be hibernating by now.

In fact, black mambas do not hibernate in the traditional sense. They might become less active during cooler months, but they don’t enter a deep state of dormancy.

If you need a snake removed, contact Sarel on 082 6831604.

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