BLACK MAMBA FOUND ON DURBAN BEACH
When you're at the beach, you probably expect to see seagulls, maybe a seal or two and, if you’re lucky, some dolphins or even whales. The last thing you expect to see is a 2.4 metre long deadly black mamba.
That's exactly what beachgoers at Durban's Addington Beach discovered on Tuesday afternoon.
Metro police were quickly called to the scene after the snake was spotted in the shallow water close to the beach.
The SA Association of Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) published a statement on their Facebook page saying they expected a call since a large snake was spotted on South Pier recently.
SAAMBR's herpetologist Craig Smith said the snake must have been exhausted.
"Thankfully she was so easy to handle and remained calm whilst we transported her back to Ushaka Sea World where our resident veterinarian, Dr Francois Lampen was standing by to assess her condition."
The SAAMBR said black mambas were uncommonly found along the coastal belt, preferring deep valley areas with thick vegetation.
The snake will recuperate at Ushaka Sea World until she is healthy and strong enough to be let back into the wild again.
Watch the SABC News video below of the exceptional rescue on Durban's Addington Beach.
Image credits: East Coast Radio and Berea Mail