“Very Brave of You Guys”: KZN Snake Catcher Nabs Massive 3m Python, SA Astonished
- A KZN snake rescuer named Sarel Van der Merve saved a massive Southern African python that frightened workers laying cables in a coastal village in KZN
- The snake which was posted on Facebook was carefully captured and relocated to ensure its safety
- Local snake catcher, Denzel Senzangakhona Ncube, spoke with us about the unique python species
- Social media users praised the snake rescuer for his bravery and dedication, while many were in awe of the snake's size
Source: Facebook
A dramatic yet inspiring incident unfolded in Munster, KZN when a snake rescuer named Sarel Van der Merve was called called to remove a massive python discovered by workers in the area.
A post about the snake and information was shared by the snake-loving man on his Facebook account under his handle Sarel Van der Merve, attracting many likes and comments.
Finding a big python in the bush
In the post, Sarel Van der Merve, and three guys, pose with the huge snake while he holds it by the head. He also details in the caption that the snake was discovered by Openserve Fibre Internet workers who were laying cables and were shocked to see the massive reptile playing in the bushes. He also details that:
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"The Southers African python is a protected species listed as vulnerable in the latest Red South African Red Data Book, adding it, may not be killed in SA."
See the post below:
Staying safe while handling a snake
The Briefly News team had the pleasure of sitting down with Denzel Senzangakhona Ncube, a local snake rescuer, to learn more about the special python species.
We asked him, What makes the Southern African python unique compared to other species, and why is it important to ensure its safety in a situation like the one in KZN, Denzel responded:
"The Southern African Python is by far the largest snake in our wildness, reaching a maximum length of around 6-7m and weighing in excess of 65kg. This snake’s pattern has more beautiful features that make it most wanted by designers and traditional healers.
In Africa, it is believed that burn wounds do heal from being treated by the Southern African Python’s fats, which has not been scientifically proven.
Others believe that they can make traditional medicine from their skin. That made it to the list of TOPS species and Protected Species of Africa since most people are killing them."
We also asked Denzel what his approach is when rescuing a large and potentially dangerous snake, especially in environments like construction sites or rural areas where there may be little to no safety precautions, and he said:
"Such big snakes are approached from the tail, but the first thing to do is to allow them to strike about 14 times. As they get tired, they try to run, and you have to hold them from the back and smoothly put them in their transport bin."
The team asked the snake catcher if he had any advice to give to people working in areas where snakes like the python are common, to avoid danger and ensure they handle the situation safely
"They must ensure they are in proper PPE, and avoid close encounters with the snake if untrained.
Secondly, they must never take a big python’s bite for granted as it is capable of causing damage to the veins, and sometimes their bite has Bacteria infection, but remember they are non-venomous species but constrictors."
SA comments on the man's bravery
The post drew widespread attention, with many social media users praising Sarel for his courage and dedication to wildlife conservation. Others were stunned by the size of the python, saying they would have been scared of it.
Source: Facebook
User @Elize Du Plessis Stroebel said:
"Wow, what a big snake ...glad it didn't wrap him around you."
User @Carol Hendey added:
"Well done Sarel and to the men from “Openserve Fibre Internet” for safely catching the python and releasing it into safety ❤️."
User @Carol Prinsloo shared:
"What a beautiful big one. Well done. I believe we have them in the bush in Trafalgar..very bushy where we stay still the wild side of Trafalgar.
User @Ntomby Sifekexe added
"Uwooh if it was me holding the snake I would have died by now🥲🥲."
User @Shaz Glu said:
"Now that's a biggy!"
User @Claudia Pontuti added:
"What a beauty ❤️❤️."
3 More snake-related articles
- Briefly News reported on the sad passing of wild-life lover Dingo who was bitten by a green mamba snake.
- A university student's residence room was invaded by a massive snake which sat peacefully on the window.
- A lady who works at her father's reptile zoo shared a video dragging a gigantic snake into a room full of more reptiles.
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Source: Briefly News
