A resident on the Bluff in South Africa recently came across a homeless man who had been bitten by a green snake while working at a property. The resident posted photographs of the snake on Facebook to identify it, but several users incorrectly identified it as a harmless Spotted Bush Snake. This misidentification led to a delay in the man's medical treatment.
Snake catcher Jason Arnold, known as "The Snake Man," saw the post and immediately recognized the snake as a Green Mamba, a highly venomous species. Arnold has been catching snakes and offering his services for 27 years, since 1999. He commented on the post to inform the original poster of the correct identification, but received no response.
Arnold attempted to contact the original poster privately through Facebook Messenger and appealed to other group members for his contact details. Two women who saw Arnold's warning joined the effort, and they eventually found a telephone number for the original poster. Arnold contacted the resident, who revealed that the bitten man was a homeless person often seen in the area.
The resident had reassured the bitten man that he was not in danger after several Facebook users identified the snake as harmless. The resident then tried to locate the man but could not find him. Arnold warned that a Green Mamba bite can be life-threatening within hours, affecting the respiratory system and muscles, and eventually causing paralysis.
The missing man was later located at an Engen service station on Tara Road. Community responders and CPF members received information that the man was at the garage and circulated it to the groups. They assessed him and confirmed that he had been bitten on his forearm, with two raised patches or lumps on his arm and reports of feeling ill and vomiting.
Arnold strongly advised the man to go to the hospital and remain under observation, as symptoms following a mamba bite can sometimes be delayed. The man agreed to walk to nearby Wentworth Hospital and wait there in case his condition deteriorated. Arnold noted that the man had likely received a mild envenomation, as he appeared relatively well but was experiencing concerning symptoms.
The incident highlights the dangers of relying on social media for snake identification, particularly in a region with several green snake species that can look similar. Arnold urged the public not to rely on comments from strangers on Facebook or neighbourhood groups when dealing with potentially venomous snakes, and to seek medical attention immediately if bitten.
Key points
- A Green Mamba bite can be life-threatening within hours if not treated promptly.
- Social media should not be relied upon for snake identification, especially in regions with multiple similar species.
- Anyone bitten by a snake should seek medical attention immediately, rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.
