Metro Search and Rescue contacted SAAMBR because there was a large Black mamba on the Durban beachfront.
Normally this would have been met with skepticism as most people believe that any dark snake is a mamba, and indeed many nonvenomous snakes are killed after being misidentified.
We were however expecting this call because a large snake had recently been spotted on the South Pier. SAAMBR herpetologists Craig Smith and Lesley Labuschagne responded to the call for assistance from Metro Search and Rescue and headed immediately to the beach. Even though they were prepared to collect a Black mamba it was an extraordinary experience rescuing this 2.47m long snake on the beach.
Black mambas are uncommonly found along the coastal belt, preferring deep valley areas with thick vegetation. They are commonly found in areas such as Reservoir Hills, Westville and Krantzkloof, to name a few. This particular snake had possibly come down through the canals and rivers that run into the harbor.
“The snake was so exhausted that when we approached her she hardly even noticed us. She was so easy to handle and thankfully remained calm whilst we transported her back to Ushaka Sea World where our resident veterinarian, Dr Francois Lampen was standing by to assess her condition,” said Craig.
The mamba will remain in the care of uShaka Sea World staff until she regains her strength and is declared fit for reintroduction into a suitable habitat. Craig thanked the Metro Search and Rescue staff for keeping her safe until they arrived on the scene.