An Extraordinary Incident: Confronting a Black Mamba Hidden in a Leaf Blower

3 mins read
snake catching black mamba

Snake catcher Nick Evans had a unique challenge when he confronted a 2.4-meter black mamba hiding inside a leaf blower in a shed. Despite his efforts, the snake refused to leave, so he had to dismantle the machine. Once the leaf blower was in pieces, the snake had no choice but to surrender, and Nick could release it back into nature. This unusual experience was a first for Nick, reminding him how varied and challenging his job can be.

Confronting a black mamba hidden inside a leaf blower was a unique challenge for snake catcher Nick Evans. Despite his persistent efforts, the obstinate snake wasn’t keen on leaving its unusual sanctuary. Left with no other option, Nick decided to meticulously dismantle the machine. With the leaf blower in pieces, the snake finally had to surrender.

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Section 1: The Unique Challenge

The profession of snake catching involves an array of experiences, including routine tasks as well as unexpected surprises. Nick Evans, a well-respected snake catcher, encountered such an unusual situation in Dawncliffe. He had a close encounter with an impressive black mamba, measuring 2.4 meters in length, secretly hiding in a leaf blower housed in a shed.

This extraordinary incident began with a report from the homeowner’s gardener who had spotted a black serpent in their shed on several occasions. Nick was summoned to the scene one Monday morning, fully anticipating the snake to be concealed in usual hiding spots. He meticulously inspected every possible nook and corner in the neatly-arranged shed but was unable to find any trace of the snake. Although he did inspect the leaf blower resting on an upper shelf, it did not strike him that it could be the snake’s refuge.

However, as the day wore on, the homeowner ventured into the shed and came face to face with the elusive serpent Nick had been in pursuit of. It was a black mamba that had chosen the leaf blower as its makeshift dwelling. The presence of the snake was confirmed when the homeowner noticed the usually lightweight leaf blower feeling unusually heavy. It was Nick’s JETBeam South Africa torch that finally exposed the cranky inhabitant under its penetrating light.

Section 2: The Standoff and Resolution

In snake lingo, an open mouth is usually a warning sign indicating “back off”. Witnessing this intimidating display by the black mamba, Nick was ready to take on what he believed would be an uncomplicated extraction. He assumed that a bit of shaking would be enough to persuade the snake to abandon its atypical sanctuary. But the mamba proved to be less than cooperative.

Despite his persistent efforts, the obstinate snake wasn’t keen on leaving the leaf blower. Left with no other option, Nick decided to meticulously dismantle the machine. Carefully removing screws and unhinging the main pipe, he was able to evict the unyielding tenant from its stronghold. With the leaf blower in pieces, the snake finally had to surrender.

With the stubborn snake finally out in the open, Nick could appreciate his catch – a striking 2.4m specimen that was slightly underweight but in a good overall condition. Now that it was finally under control, it was time to relocate the black mamba back into its natural habitat, away from the humdrum of human life. Thus, he released the snake back into nature.

Section 3: Reflections on the Unique Experience

Even for a seasoned snake catcher like Nick, this incident was a unique first. Encountering a black mamba cozily settled inside a leaf blower is not an everyday event, even in his line of work. However, he confesses that he now has a game plan in place if he ever runs into a similar situation again.

This was not Nick’s maiden confrontation with a black mamba. He once successfully captured a gigantic 2.7m black mamba weighing almost three kilograms from the Nazareth region. But despite his extensive experience, each day and every assignment brings something new. The unpredictability of nature and its denizens never ceases to surprise him, serving as a constant reminder of how varied and challenging his job can be.

1. What was the unique challenge faced by snake catcher Nick Evans?

Nick Evans faced the challenge of confronting a 2.4-meter black mamba hiding inside a leaf blower in a shed.

2. How did Nick Evans attempt to remove the snake from the leaf blower?

Nick Evans attempted to shake the leaf blower to persuade the snake to abandon its sanctuary. However, when the snake refused to budge, Nick had to dismantle the machine to evict the snake.

3. What was Nick Evans’ plan to relocate the snake back into nature?

Nick Evans relocated the snake back into nature, away from the humdrum of human life.

4. Was this the first time Nick Evans had encountered a black mamba?

No, Nick Evans had once successfully captured a gigantic 2.7m black mamba weighing almost three kilograms from the Nazareth region.

5. What did Nick Evans learn from this unique experience?

Nick Evans learned to be prepared for any situation and to expect the unpredictability of nature and its denizens, serving as a constant reminder of how varied and challenging his job can be.

6. How did the homeowner discover the snake hiding in the shed?

The homeowner discovered the snake in the leaf blower when they noticed the usually lightweight leaf blower feeling unusually heavy.

Kagiso Petersen is a Cape Town journalist who reports on the city’s evolving food culture—tracking everything from township braai innovators to Sea Point bistros signed up to the Ocean Wise pledge. Raised in Bo-Kaap and now cycling daily along the Atlantic Seaboard, he brings a palpable love for the city’s layered flavours and even more layered stories to every assignment.

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