Snake catcher kept busy with multiple mamba rescues across the South Coast
One of the more challenging rescues took place in a garden in Leisure Bay.
South Coast snake catcher Sarel van der Merwe has had a particularly busy period of late – responding to a string of snake rescues that included two highly venomous black mambas, several green mambas and even a juvenile Southern African python.
Sarel said the calls came from several areas in quick succession as warm weather conditions continue to bring snakes out of hiding.
The first black mamba was safely removed from the Child and Youth Centre in Sipofu. Later the same day, another black mamba was reported at the community hall in Bhobhoyi, where Sarel again stepped in to relocate the dangerous reptile.
In addition to the black mambas, Sarel also dealt with several green mamba sightings.
One of the more challenging rescues took place in a garden in Leisure Bay. The snake proved difficult to capture because it was in the process of shedding its skin.
During shedding, the normally bright green snake can appear dull or darker in colour, sometimes taking on a greyish or bluish-charcoal tone – something that often causes confusion among residents who may mistake it for a black mamba.
“It definitely wasn’t a black mamba,” Sarel explained, noting that the colour change is normal during the shedding process.
Another green mamba was removed from a garage at the home of local resident Deon Myburgh, while yet another was found in a storeroom in Bhomela.
Last month, Sarel responded to a call-out for a juvenile Southern African python that had entered the storeroom of an elderly couple at Marina Beach. These snakes are protected in Southern Africa and are listed as vulnerable in the latest South African Red Data Book, meaning they may not be captured or killed.
In South Africa, the Southern African python is the only snake of its kind and is easily recognised as a very large, bulky species that cannot readily be confused with other snakes. It feeds mainly on warm-blooded prey such as small antelope, monkeys, game birds and dassies, but will also take reptiles like leguaans and even young crocodiles.
Sarel urged residents not to panic if they encounter a snake and to call a trained snake catcher instead of attempting to deal with it themselves.
With the recent spike in sightings, he said it is clear that snake season is well underway along the South Coast – keeping rescuers like him constantly on the move.
If you need a snake removed this summer, contact Sarel on 082 6831604.
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