Sending shockwaves through the Westville community, a massive 2.3-meter-long Black Mamba snake was recently discovered lurking behind a bag of potatoes at a local residence. Stealthily making its way into the large kitchen’s storage area, the serpent prompted an astonishing and nerve-wracking encounter for the unsuspecting homeowners.
Nick Evans, a renowned snake catcher, who attended to the scene said catching the snake was, however, relatively straightforward, despite the notorious reputation of the Black Mamba. Mr Evans, who has been busy with snake captures in Westville, especially around business premises, urged the public not to panic with the frequent appearance of snakes currently, attributing it to snake-hatching season.
“This time of year, we see an uptick in snake hatchlings, including Black Mambas. However, this does not mean we are facing an invasion of venomous snakes,” Mr Evans explained.
He recounted a recent incident where he was summoned to deal with a juvenile Black Mamba spotted in some trees next to a parking lot. The hatchling, measuring approximately 50 to 60cm, indicative of a new-born Mamba, unfortunately had to be euthanised due to severe injuries.
Mr Evans highlighted the importance of understanding snake behaviour during this season.
“Many fear that the mother snake might be lurking nearby when a juvenile is found. This is a common misconception. Snakes like the Black Mamba do not exhibit maternal care post-hatching. The juveniles are on their own, facing numerous predators that significantly reduce their survival rates,” said Mr Evans.
He also addressed the public’s concern regarding the location of snake nests, clarifying that it is a futile endeavour to search for them.
“Snakes, particularly those we encounter in urban areas like Westville, lay their eggs in secluded underground spots. Once the eggs hatch, the young snakes disperse, making it nearly impossible to locate a so-called nest,” he said.
Mr Evans’s message to the community is one of calm and education. He urges residents not to panic but to stay informed about the natural behaviours of snakes, especially during the hatching season.
