THE Bluff-based snake catcher, Warren Dick, responded to a callout of a black mamba that was spotted inside an outbuilding at a house in Umlazi in the early hours of November 12.

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Dick said that getting to the scene was a bit difficult due to his GPS not being able to locate the actual residence as it is in a rural area on the outskirts of Umlazi.

While navigating his way, the residents found Dick and brought him to their home where the snake was spotted. He was directed to a smaller building separated by a toilet on the one side and a storeroom on the other.

The mission

Dick said the resident had gone to use the toilet when she looked up and saw the black mamba on the wall just below the roof, staring down at her. “But as usual, the snake got more of a fright than she did,” he said. The startled mamba fled into the roofing of the storeroom section. “I was actually grateful it was at roof level as it is easier to capture than if it was on the ground,” said Dick.

Also read: Watch: The Bluff snake catcher captures black mamba in Cato Manor

Using his catching tongs, Dick carefully “tickled” the snake’s body, waiting for a head or coil to appear within reach. The mamba tried to retreat the way it had come, but Dick quickly blocked its path. He was finally able to grasp a coil with his tongs and slowly pull the snake closer.

“Soon enough, I had the head in a vice grip, and I could safely neck it. Job done and now the people and pets are safe,” said Dick.

The size does not matter

The mamba was about 2m in length and while Dick said it’s not the biggest of its species, it is still a dangerous animal.

The snake was later released safely away from areas with human interaction. For snake removals, Dick can be contacted on 072 211 0353.

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