Grumpy Black Mamba Found Draped Over Bathroom Sink in Family Home

A grumpy black mamba was found draped over a bathroom sink in a family home in South Africa.

Snake catcher Nick Evans—who owns a snake removal and rescue service in Greater Durban—said on Facebook that a family had just returned home from a trip when they found an "unexpected surprise."

One of the family members spotted a "long black thing" by her bedroom door and thought it was a belt at first. Too nervous to get any closer, she called for another family member who quickly identified it as the highly venomous snake.

As the snake slithered into the bedroom, they shut the door to trap it.

Black mambas are the longest venomous snakes in Africa. They can reach lengths of up to 14 feet, however, they reach between 7 and 8 foot on average. This one measured 7.2 feet.

A black mamba bite could kill a person in under 30 minutes, although the species is usually shy and will not attack unless directly provoked. However, conflicts can occur when the snakes slither into residential properties in search of food or shelter.

"My wife and I were on our way back from the Aloe Festival in Ashburton, after I had given a talk there. I told the caller I'd be there ASAP. The snake wasn't going anywhere," Evans said on Facebook. "As I opened the bedroom door, I spotted the mamba in the en-suite bathroom, across the room from me. It was draped over the sink!"

Evans and his wife approached the venomous snake slowly.

"It was an interesting, slightly humorous sight. It looked quite a grumpy mamba, so I approached with extra caution. But it put up no resistance at all. I pinned it down with no hassle whatsoever," the snake catcher said.

Evans said the snake had been "a rude guest," and had been knocking things over in the bathroom.

"As I laid hands on it, I noticed it was freezing! The coldest mamba I've ever touched. I suppose the tiles in the house and bathroom were cold. It must have been inside a few hours," he said.

Black mamba sightings in greater Durban neighborhoods are not uncommon as they are in closer proximity with nature reserves and valleys, which are preferred habitats for the snakes. Black mamba prey, such as feral kittens and small rodents, are also commonly found in the area. The snakes can smell prey from miles away.

As well as removing snakes that end up in properties, Evans campaigns for snake conservation. Despite their fearsome reputation, deaths by black mamba bites are rare in the region.

In the comments to a Facebook post, Evans said while he always has "an element of fear" when catching the snakes, "one just needs to keep that under control, stay focused and calm."