Please, keep your dogs away from the Black Mambas!
The Black Mamba is undoubtedly one of the most feared snakes in the world. This week on Snake Rescue Extra, snake expert and podcast host Nick Evans busts some common myths around these impressive snakes and warns about the dangers of you - or your animals - approaching them.
Black Mambas - they're one of the most common snakes in the Greater Durban area, and their preferred habitats are rocky, cliff areas where there are lots of dassies and rabbits. If you live in or visit the province, think Kloof Gorge, Reservoir Hills and Umbilo Valley - to name a few favoured areas.
"Through all my rescues with them, I have learnt that they are so misunderstood. These snakes do not attack people," Nick says.
Although bites for Black Mambas are very rare (an indication that they aren't out to get you) dogs are usually victims of black mamba attacks because they attack this snake first.
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Listen to Nick's informative podcast on what to do if you ever come face-to-face with a Black Mamba:
Nick's organisation, KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, is a chapter of The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation.
Contact Nick on 072 809 5806 for information about snake removals. Email him if you'd like to find out about his educational talks.
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IMAGE CREDIT: Nick Evans