Scorching heat brings not so welcome slithery guest

Temperatures soared to 39 degrees Celsius in parts of the Zululand region last Wednesday, bringing forth an unwelcome visitor to a KwaMbonambi home.

Richards Bay snake catcher Peter ‘Daring’ Daniel was called out to the residence to remove what turned out to be a 2.2m female black mamba.

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“Nice way to spice up a hot day is catching a hot, angry snake!” said Peter after he made the catch.

“The snake went under some old wood and metal roof sheets. It was all over the place and trying to bite everything in its path.

“The description given was a brown snake about 1m long, which clearly was not the case! I took a tube with me, but when I saw the snake’s size and realised what is was, I knew the tube was too risky to contain it. I reverted to the pillow case,” he said.

With snake sightings already high this season, Peter advises precaution if encountering one.

He advises to keep a safe distance and, if possible, get a clear photo so he can identify it. His other tips include to not hit, kill or corner a snake as it will get angry and bite.

In case of a snake bite, remain calm, take a photo of the snake for ID purposes, and seek medical attention immediately. Receiving the correct antivenom as soon as possible is critical.

For snake removals, contact Peter ‘Daring’ Daniel on 076 0516420.

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