Mamba Monday for Bay snake catcher

Monday morning started with a bang for Richards Bay snake catcher Peter ‘Daring’ Daniel, when he was called out for a 1.8m green mamba.

“Snakes are starting to kick off,” said Peter, who had just arrived home from travelling before he got the call around 10am from a resident in a Meerensee complex.

The individual had spotted a large green snake climbing a banana tree in the yard.

According to Peter, it was a semi-easy catch with a high risk factor. He knew that if the snake climbed any higher, they would have a big problem.

After standing on a chair, Peter used an extendable handsaw to cut the tree branch and catch the snake.

“But that didn’t go to plan as the branch fell, the snake just moved into the next part of the tree. It wrapped itself around the saw, and as it was pulled out the banana tree, the saw collapsed,” said Peter.

He explained that the saw pulls out to extend and turns to tighten, but the turning mechanism doesn’t lock it into place. As he lifted it out of the tree, the extended saw slid back in.

“Luckily, the green mamba did not fall on me! It fell on the ground, and I was able to grab it by the tail and put it into the tube. They were very relieved to have it removed.”

For snake removals in Empangeni, Richards Bay and surrounding areas, contact ‘Fearless’ Fred Lubbe on 066 2433377 or Peter ‘Daring’ Daniel on 076 0516420.

For snake emergencies in the Hluhluwe area, contact Donald Schultz on 064 2082465.