Python checks out surf
African Rock Python takes evening stroll at Richards Bay's Alkantstrand Beach.
A SLITHERY stroll for a four-metre African Rock Python at Alkantstrand Beach surprised local surfer Claudde Coetzer who was taking a walk along the beach at about 6pm on Monday.
The unusual sighting at the short pier saw Coetzer quickly contact his reptile loving friends Dian Douglas and Chad Smith for assistance and within minutes they arrived to assist and help the snake to safety.
Local snake catcher Zephain Alberts responded to the call, captured it and transported it to the iMfolozi Game Park for release.
According to snake catcher, AJ Mollentze it was very usual for such a snake to be found at the beach area.
‘This was a massive female snake, mature and in very healthy condition but it was strange for it to be in that vicinity.
‘If one knows how to handle these animals, it is quite safe to catch them but one must be warned that they have very big teeth,’ he said.
It is one of the five largest snake species in the world.
Im very concerned about the way these people are handling the poor snake,really-its not a trophy and handled very improper. Its not something to brag about!!
I think something cause them to move to the paphulic. I suspect the food that make that.
Those snake.
Like last week they catch 1 at Mtunzin.
I believe these men were brave, as I would have RAN the other way without thinking of looking back. Yes we do not all know how to properly handle snakes, especially this size. But they tried and the snake was captured and took to a place of safety.Well done guys!!!
It is something to brag about. We’ll done guys. Url captured the Dangerous python and released her back to her natural home. Others would have maybe killed her.
I am commenting on the women’s response below RE: NOT SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT
My son is Claudde who is mentioned in the article .
FIRSTLY let me say you were not there to see how the snake was handled . Secondly the snake was disturbed in IT’S natural habitat and clearly had nowhere to go ! My son luckily happened to be there when he saw the snake in distress and seeing it trying to escape harms way by going into the dollosis. (CLEARLY THE SNAKE HAD NOWHERE TO GO AND MATTERS DEALT WITH ACCORDINGLY RE : WHATS HAPPENING IN THAT AREA AND WHAT HABITAT IS EXISTENT ? ) WHY IS THIS NOT MENTIONED ? BUT QUICK TO BLAME SOMEONE THAT WAS TRYING TO HELP !
Then when he phoned us immediately we were the first 4 adults to arrive where he was. He then phoned Chad who is believed to be known in handling snakes . Mr Alberts was contacted immediately aswell . So where is this something to BRAG about and also the other adult that was with the crowd made the observer aware of the finding NOT EVEN US !
The adults that were present saw NO ABUSE OF THE SNAKE OR THE HANDLING THEREOF . Mr ALBERTS actually THANKED CHAD AND THE BOYS WHO HANDLED IT SO WELL .
Hello , Well done Claudde , you and your mates are very BRAVE.