Continue reading for our analysis...
An exceedingly venomous snake that is native to portions of sub-Saharan Africa is the black mamba. After the King cobra, it is the second-longest venomous snake. Black mambas have a coffin-shaped skull with a medium-sized eye and a relatively prominent brow ridge. These reptiles are seldom black and come in a wide range of colors, including green, yellowish-brown, tan, and silver. Some species may have a violet shine to their scales.
A family in Reservoir Hills, South Africa got the surprise of a lifetime when a black mamba managed to slither its way into their home! Two men make their way into the house, one with a bucket in hand. As the man with the camera opens the door to a bedroom, we see the giant serpent slithering around the floor!
The black mamba is the longest snake in Africa and can grow to be the perfect length. Black Mambas can grow much larger than their typical seven-foot length. The longest black mamba ever recorded measured 11 feet long! Although they have been known to grow a little, they have never grown longer than 13 feet.
The people involved in this situation assume something outside must’ve spooked the snake and he took shelter in their home. As the man continues to walk further into the room, it looks as if the slithery critter is trying to hide or make an escape.
Catch And Release
The man filming eventually is able to grab the snake with a device and hold it in his hands. With black mambas being so dangerous, we can only imagine the fright he was feeling at the moment! His name is Nick Evans, and he’s a professional snake rescuer – so maybe he’s a little braver than the average Joe.
Although the black mamba is frequently regarded as one of the world’s quickest serpents, Evans said he is “not convinced” that this is accurate to the snakes he has interacted with. He says, “Here in South Africa, I’ve seen some snakes move, which I’m sure are quicker.”
The fact that the snake’s venom is exceptionally quick-acting is another factor in its widespread dread. Its venom can occasionally kill a human after a bite in as little as 20 minutes. It is challenging to estimate how long it would take, though.
It depends on the amount of venom administered, how each person responds, and the location of the puncture on the body. Death could occur right away or in a few hours. While black mamba bites are extremely serious, they are rarely deadly if they take place in a region with easy access to doctors and antivenom.
Is It Normal For Black Mambas To Come Inside Houses?
For whatever reason, it is not unheard of for these snakes to come inside buildings, but black mambas are shy if they actually come across humans. However, if they are cornered, they will strike to defend themselves!
If a black mamba happens to enter your home or become released in a space, it is absolutely best to call professionals to extract the snake. You can see from the video that they will be more than helpful. And these snakes can be extremely large!
Why Do Snakes Sometimes Enter Homes?
While finding a black mamba in one’s home is probably quite rare, it’s not uncommon for a person to find a snake crawling about in their home (I once came upon a rat snake coiled up in the middle of my kitchen floor!). There are multiple reasons why a snake may enter a house. They can be attracted to a home where there’s a vermin infestation, for one thing. Where there are mice or rats, there could also be snakes that consume them.
Snakes also like dark, cool, or damp areas to hang. Snakes sometimes hide out under houses, and if there’s a way to creep into the basement, they may take advantage of the opportunity. On the flip side, some snakes are seeking a warm place when the weather gets cold.
This one may surprise you. A snake may get into your house when it’s molting. Snakes are vulnerable when they are in the process of shedding their skin, so a house can provide a safe place while their new scales grow hard. Another reason a snake would seek the safety of a house would be to hibernate.
Where Do Black Mambas Live?
Black mambas, known for their venomous bite and aggressive behavior, are indigenous to a vast region of sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, these deadly snakes can be found in countries such as southern Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa. They inhabit a variety of landscapes within this range, including open woodlands, savannas, and rocky hills.
Black mambas are highly adaptable and have been known to thrive within both natural environments as well as areas that have been impacted by human development. Despite their ability to survive in various habitats across the African continent, they prefer regions with access to prey, such as small mammals like rodents or birds.
While black mambas may seem intimidating due to their reputation for being one of the deadliest snakes on earth – capable of delivering lethal bites with just a single strike – it is important to note that these creatures generally avoid contact with humans unless provoked or threatened. Nonetheless, it is crucial that people take caution when entering areas where black mambas could potentially be present so as not to disturb them unnecessarily or put themselves at risk of harm.
Discover the "Monster" Snake 5X Bigger than an Anaconda
Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.