Close encounter of the slithery kind
Mtunzini snake handler got a bit to close to a Green Mamba.
MTUNZINI snake handler Wayne ‘Beastman’ Rawlinson got a little too close for comfort to his own Green Mamba on Wednesday.
Rawlinson, who has been around snakes since he could walk, was handling one of his Green Mambas on Wednesday when he got bitten on the leg.
The incident occurred while Rawlinson was transferring the snake from one container to another.
Using his snake pole, Rawlinson had the mamba by the tail and was using the pole to keep its head away from his body when something went wrong and the mamba bit him on the leg.
Rawlinson did not panic and managed to get the snake back into its container before he made his way to his doctor in Mtunzini.
After a brief explanation, an ambulance was called and he was rushed to Ngwelazane Hospital.
According to Rawlinson, anti-venom was prescribed but he declined. ‘I have been bitten a few times and I have received anti-venom before.’
About 18 hours later, after excruciating pain and fever, Rawlinson was back home busy packing for a trip to Bloemfontein.
‘I made a mistake, it happens. After working with these incredible creatures everyday, the chance of this happening is almost guaranteed,’ Rawlinson admitted.
The Green Mamba is not as aggressive as the Black Mamba, but it’s venom is neurotoxic. The venom is similar in composition and affect to the Back Mamba, but only one-tenth as toxic, and the amount delivered is less due to the snake’s smaller size.
Despite this, the bites are still potentially fatal and should be treated by professionals immediately.
