Sounds silly doesn’t it? Most would think so, seeing as the black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa and possesses a deadly combination of neuro-cardiotoxic venom that attacks the heart and nerves of a bite victim within seconds. However, our ranger at Africa on Foot, Mike Beard, has a lifelong passion for snakes and has ample practise handling both venomous and non-venomous snakes – a skill learnt from his father who is also an avid reptile lover.
Mike took this video on his mobile phone after spotting this large black mamba on the road during a game drive one evening this week. After weighing up the situation, he took the calculated risk to get within 30cm of what is regarded as the most venomous snake in the world, as his guests watched on from the safety of the game viewer.
This situation, although it looks life-threateningly dangerous given the snake’s ready and repetitive bite, was calculated and Mike had no intention of trying to handle the snake. He was interested that the mamba was found being active at night, which is unusual for the diurnal species, and its behaviour was very relaxed right from the beginning when it was spotted from the vehicle. Mike used a torch to shine onto the snake, which made his own presence invisible, and as long as he was quiet the snake would not strike.
These snakes can reach up to 3m in length, and there have been recordings of 4, 5m black mambas! Typically, mambas raise a third of their bodies from the ground when threatened, which helps them make a speedy getaway… and also adds to the intimidation factor these deadly snakes possess. In this video, it is clear that even though Mike gets as close as 30cm, the snake continues on its way without reacting. Only at the end as Mike backs away, kicking a stone by accident and alerting the mamba to his presence, does it turn into a heart-stopping experience. The snake reacts immediately, rearing its neck back and getting ready to strike.
Out of 400mg of venom injected with one bite, it only takes 10-15mg to kill a human – an indication of how powerful this snake’s bite can be. Brave or stupid? Either way, Mike’s love for the bush and all of mother nature’s children has given him one memorable moment with this notorious snake!
Leave a Comment