SNAKE catcher Nick Evans was recently called to Adams Mission, southwest of Durban, after three Green mambas were seen in a mango tree.

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Despite struggling to find the location in a remote rural area, Evans said it was a rare chance he couldn’t miss.

“Why were there three? It’s mating season. Either two males were fighting for a female, or a female was nearby and three males were wrestling for her. I was shown some footage of male combat, which confirmed it,” said Evans.

Green mambas are usually found along the coast, so seeing them this far inland is uncommon. However, Evans has caught several in the area before.

Also read: A guide to the snakes of Durban

He was told the tree was isolated, which helps to catch snakes, but it turned out to be connected to other trees. One snake had already fallen and escaped. Evans spotted a smaller mamba heading into bamboo. He quickly grabbed it with his tools and safely brought it down, despite nearly slipping from the tree. It was a male.

The community was eager to assist in locating the remaining snakes, combing through the nearby bush. Just as the search was winding down, a much larger green mamba was spotted. Unfortunately, it had already crossed into the dense bamboo and disappeared into the thicker bush.

The captured snake was safely relocated to a natural area, and residents expressed their gratitude to Evans for his efforts and educational approach.

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