“What a Monster”: KZN Snake Catchers Remove Giant Black Mamba From Tree, Wows Internet

• Snake catchers Sarel van der Merwe and his colleague Emma caught a massive black mamba
• The snake was removed from a tree close to someone's house in Gcilima, KwaZulu-Natal
• Social media users took to the comment section to share their thoughts on the size of the snake and congratulate the team
• Reptile expert Jason Arnold shared with Briefly News what people should do when encountering a black mamba

A brave duo in Gcilima, KwaZulu-Natal, had the pleasure of encountering a black mamba who cosied up in a tree outside someone's home.

Snake catcher Sarel van der Merwe, based in the coastal province, shared a Facebook post of himself and a woman named Emma holding the lengthy snake in both hands. Other pictures showed Sarel in action, using special tools to get the reptile safely inside a custom snake-friendly box.

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Take a look at some of the pictures below:

What should you do if you see a black mamba?

According to Jason Arnold, a local reptile expert, one would follow the same protocol for any snake encounter. He told Briefly News:

"People should respect the snake and give it space. Bites happen when people do silly things by interfering with snakes and making them feel cornered or threatened."

The animal lover also said that if people see a snake in an outdoor setting where it can slither off into nature and vanish, it should be allowed the opportunity to do so.

However, if the reptile is indoors or in an area where there could be a risk of people or pets getting bitten, Jason advises the following:

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"It is encouraged that people call a professional snake handler to catch and relocate the snake safely."

Netizens react to captured black mamba

Many Facebook users commented on Sarel's post to applaud him and Emma for catching the snake. Others were also impressed by the reptile's size.

Here is what social media users had to say about the black mamba:

Carol Prinsloo noted in the comments:

"That's a huge one."

Thelma Begley said to the snake catcher:

"Big one. Well done, and stay safe."

A stunned Ellen Cawker said:

"What a monster. Well done."

Given the cold temperatures, Shaz Glu said:

"Sjoe, they don't even slow down for winter!"

Sarel provided more information about the snake and said:

"Black mambas don't hibernate. Snakes are exothermic animals and use their environment to regulate their body temperature. Basking in the sun to get warmer or hiding in cooler areas to cool off. In regions with long and cold winters, they brumate to survive these adverse conditions."

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Snake catcher captures rinkhals in the Eastern Cape

In a similar story, Briefly News reported about a snake catcher who bravely caught a rinkhals hiding under a box in a pool pump room. The Eastern Cape snake expert used a set of tongs, a hook and his bare hands to capture the snake.

Most people worldwide cringe at the sight of snakes, so it was no surprise when internet users in the comment section did the same.

Source: Briefly News