“Ask Experts”: Durban Man Bitten by Mamba After Facebook Users Said Snake Was Harmless

• A Durban man was bitten by a mamba in the Bluff area after turning to Facebook to identify the snake
• Facebook commenters mistakenly told the man the reptile was harmless, leading to a frantic search being launched
• The incident sparked a heated debate online about the dangers of seeking snake identification advice on social media

A Durban man found himself in a life-threatening situation after relying on Facebook to identify a snake that had bitten him. The incident, which unfolded in the Bluff area of Durban, prompted a [frantic search] after commenters on the platform wrongly assured him the snake was harmless, when in fact it was a mamba, one of Africa's most deadly reptiles.

According to IOL News, the man was bitten and, rather than immediately seeking medical attention, turned to social media to find out what kind of snake had struck him. Commenters responded, telling him it posed no danger. Emergency services were later called to the scene as his condition became a cause for concern.

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The green mamba is widely regarded as among the most venomous snakes in the world. A bite left untreated can be fatal within hours. Experts consistently advise that anyone bitten by a snake, identified or not, should seek emergency medical care immediately, without waiting for a definitive identification.

The Durban incident highlighted a growing problem: people turning to social media comment sections for advice that should come only from trained professionals or certified snake handlers. The man bitten by the green mamba stayed overnight at Woentworth Hospital in case his condition worsened. See the original Facebook post that sparked the debate:

SA in disbelief over mamba bite

The story drew strong reactions online, with many South Africans shaking their heads at the incident:

Golide Mazinyo asked:

"So who are they searching for, the snake that bit him or Facebook people?"

Nic Lamusse wrote:

"I always see people commenting as if they are snake experts. If you are not a snake expert, don't ever comment."

Thorisho Pop shared:

"All snakes should be viewed as dangerous in the eyes of an ordinary citizen."

Ray Jay said:

"Haibo!! Why not call a snake handler instead of asking on Facebook?"

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Liezl Lambert noted:

"You can spot a mamba from a mile away with that smile and the coffin-shaped head. Don't handle them if you are not sure."

Sandile Manqele kept it simple:

"That's why to me a snake is a snake... I see one, I'm gone."

Khanyisa Ndevu summed it up:

"If you are not sure about any snake, take it as very dangerous."

Sheila Solomon urged caution:

"He should have listened to professional advice from qualified people. Next time ask the experts, not the followers."

Other Briefly News stories about snakes

• A viral TikTok video captured the frightening moment a highly venomous black mamba suddenly lunged and struck directly against the glass pane of its enclosure toward a visitor standing just inches away.
• Access Professional Development conducted a comprehensive snake safety and handling course for renewable energy workers stationed near Upington in the Northern Cape.
• Viral video footage captured a large black mamba effortlessly climbing up the smooth side of a tall agricultural water tank on a rural farm.

Source: Briefly News