Residents found a black mamba that was over 8 feet long and almost 6 pounds in a garage box at a South African home. According to the Zululand Observer, they originally said they found a "big, brown snake."
Here's what to know
After the homeowners spotted the animal in their garage, local snake catcher Robbie Ferreira was called to a house on Moberly Street in Empangeni. The incident reportedly ended with the snake being removed alive and later used in anti-venom research.
The animal in the box was indeed a black mamba. Ferreira later described the removal as "an easy catch."
"The snake was at a house in Moberly Street, next to the green belt. When I arrived, the homeowners said it was a 'big, brown snake' and was in a box in the garage," Ferreira said.
"We don't often get black mambas in Empangeni, but they do occur in the green belts," he added.
More background
The house sits beside a green belt where homes meet wildlife habitat.
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"The homeowners also have rabbits in their garden behind the garage, which was the attraction," Ferreira said, according to the Zululand Observer. "There was food and shelter, which is all the snake wants."
Many human-wildlife encounters are driven less by aggression than by habitat pressure. As humans build more on wildlife habitat, that can decrease access to food for animals and drive them to look for meals elsewhere.
What's being done?
Ferreira handled the immediate danger by safely capturing the mamba and taking it off the property. Professional removal can reduce the risk to both people and the animal.
He then brought the snake to Snake Pharm in Hluhluwe, where it will contribute to Donald Schultz's anti-venom research that could help treat future bites.
Where can I learn more?
Black mambas keep turning up around South African homes and outbuildings in encounters like this one.
• At a South African home, water flushed a 1.7-meter black mamba from a drain before capture.
• In Waterloo, South Africa, a resident found a black mamba after opening a backyard shed for tools.
• In Mid-South homes, snake calls surged 50%, and experts warned about tiny openings.
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