Snakes - to shoot or not to shoot

**Frizzle** · 20-01-2014, 09:17

Originally Posted by gertjie87

That is the only safe way to hold a black mamba

Snake tongs?

**nugs** · 20-01-2014, 10:32

I know this is not in the same league as the mamba, but this large Puffy shares the range with us at Somerset West. It became unreasonably upset at Manservant when I tried to manhandle it out of the bushes for a closer look and he was just the innocent bystander.

The snake is about a meter long, as thick as my arm and head as big as my closed fist. And no, we didn't hurt it.

**Toxxyc** · 20-01-2014, 10:43

That's a dark, fat beauty!

**Meteor** · 20-01-2014, 10:46

The oke with the Mamba is Jason Arnold. He does an incredible amount of snake removals in the Durban area. If you ever get the chance to meet him have a talk ,the info you get is priceless.

There is an annual time of the year that young males become active to seek out females. Most will be agile males in the 2m range. It is a very good idea to have the number ready when needed.

**gertjie87** · 20-01-2014, 12:49

Originally Posted by Frizzle

Snake tongs?

Jip used to neck a mamba. For me necking is the only way. Mambas are long powerfull snakes tongs are short and using only one hand not that powerful. But then again not to be attempted by people not in the know.

**DouwtA** · 20-01-2014, 13:39

Originally Posted by gertjie87

That is the only safe way to hold a black mamba

How would you safely release it again?

**Frizzle** · 20-01-2014, 13:40

Originally Posted by gertjie87

Jip used to neck a mamba. For me necking is the only way. Mambas are long powerfull snakes tongs are short and using only one hand not that powerful. But then again not to be attempted by people not in the know.

Thanks.
Yeah I know there was a ranger at the Kruger that did a short video on the Black Mamba and also held it by the neck, so I know you can do it, but thanks for your info on using snake tongs on them.

**dbndude** · 20-01-2014, 13:49

Originally Posted by Meteor

The oke with the Mamba is Jason Arnold. He does an incredible amount of snake removals in the Durban area. If you ever get the chance to meet him have a talk ,the info you get is priceless.

There is an annual time of the year that young males become active to seek out females. Most will be agile males in the 2m range. It is a very good idea to have the number ready when needed.

noted