KZN Man Claims Black Mamba Bit Him While Praying at River, Nick Evans Chimes In: “I am Doubtful”
- A young man from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) claimed he had a run-in with one of the most dangerous snakes in the world
- The gent said he was deep in prayer and claimed he came under attack from a highly venomous snake
- Online users shared their reactions to the alleged terrifying details of how the man faced a dangerous viper
- KZN-based snake expert, Nick Evans, shared his scepticism about the alleged black mamba encounter with Briefly News
A KZN man claimed that he suffered a snake bite from a dangerous viper. He alleged that one of the most venomous snakes struck him when he was at a river.
Source: UGC
People were mortified by the man's encounter with a venomous snake. Nick Evans told Briefly News that certain details in the man's story contradict a black mamba bite.
KZN man claims black mamba bit him
A 27-year-old was praying at a river in Hazelmere and said a black snake, which he thought was a black mamba, came across him and bit him on his left foot. The man walked away from the river and got help from security officers who called the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA). Paramedics found the young pastor behind the Hazelmere dam.
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The emergency healthcare workers reportedly treated him for neurotoxic poisoning symptoms and severe swelling on the bite site before taking him to a medical facility for further assistance. See photos of first responders treating him by clicking here.
Nick Evans doubts alleged black mamba bite
Speaking to Briefly News, seasoned snake rescuer, Nick Evans said that he does not believe the man was bitten by a black mamba. He noted that his colleagues who work closely with snakes are also unconvinced. Nick Evans said:
"Excessive swelling isn't a symptom . [It is] very early [in the year] for a mamba to be out and about."
Nick Evans emphasised that in his personal view, and that of other experienced snake professionals, he does not believe there was a black mamba bite. He said to Briefly News:
"Personally, I am even doubtful it was a snake. Again, most snake guys think the same."
What to do actual black mamba bites you
According to the University of Pretoria, black mambas are often referred to as one of the world's deadliest snakes. The university's Senior Specialist Forensic Pathologist, Prof Ryan Blumenthal, highlighted that a victim needs to get to the medical facility as soon as possible. It is also important to limit movement as much as possible while applying pressure to the bite to slow/prevent the venom from spreading. There should also be first aid treatment to maintain the victim's vitals. To treat a black mamba bite, the person would need support for the respiratory system and antivenom.
Source: Getty Images
SA horrified by man's alleged black mamba experience
Online users were concerned about whether the 27-year-old would survive the bite. Many people speculated that a black mamba may not have bitten him because they are grey while the man described the snake that bit him as being large and black.
@services9613 said:
"This is an unfortunate situation 😕"
@ThembaK85 commented:
"I doubt it's a black mamba, chances of surviving mamba are quite slim."
@Hoecutter wrote:
"This is what happens when you pray for money instead of working for it."
@tsholof28845580 was worried:
"It's truly a Black Mamba I don't think he'll survive, please update us."
@Khumalo5_ wondered:
"Why would a snake bite you while you’re praying?🤧It’s a sign!"
@Thapza119 added:
"It's not a good sign, you can't be bitten by a snake while praying. Nah fam definitely something is afoot, something wrong here going I'm telling ya'll 🤞"
4 Black mamba stories
- Briefly News covered a story about a woman who claimed that she shares a bed with a black mamba.
- Snake catcher Nick Evans detailed a thrilling find when he spotted a black mamba hiding in a children's toy.
- Nick Evans had another run-in with a black mamba, but this time there was a whole group of venomous snakes.
- A disgruntled black mamba found a place to hide and stubbornly stayed there when snake catcher Nick Evans showed up.
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Source: Briefly News
Rutendo Masasi (Weekend Entertainment and Human Interest editor) Rue Masasi is a Human Interest and Entertainment writer at Briefly News who graduated with a BA (Hons) in English from Rhodes University in 2018. Rue also has 2 years of experience in journalism and over four years of experience as an online ESL teacher. She has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her via email: rutendo.masasi@briefly.co.za
Nick Evans (Snake Rescuer and Educator) Nick Evans is based in Durban. He spends his time rescuing snakes (and people!) from households, conducting research on reptiles and educating the public on these animals in his blog The Mamba Mail. He researched Black Mambas, pet and snake conflict, human and snake conflict, Southern African Pythons, Green Mambas, Nile Monitor Lizards and more. Nick has been doing this full-time since 2015 but has been interested in reptiles his whole life.
