Green Mamba or harmless bush snake? Bluff snakebite exposes social media risk

A homeless man in the Bluff area was bitten by a highly venomous Green Mamba, which was mistakenly identified as a harmless species by Facebook users. Concerned resident posted photographs of the snake, asking for its identification. Unfortunately, several people incorrectly identified it as a harmless Spotted Bush Snake. Snake expert Jason Arnold, known as “The Snake Man,” recognized the snake as a Green Mamba and contacted the poster, warning him to take the bitten man to the hospital immediately.

However, the man had already left Facebook and the damage was done. The resident was unable to locate the affected man and Arnold had to find him at an Engen service station. The man reportedly showed symptoms of mild envenomation and was advised to remain in the hospital's waiting area for observation. Arnold emphasized the importance of accurate snake identification, as only the Green Mamba and Boomslang are venomous in the region.

He stressed that the public should not rely on social media for such identifications, as incorrect information can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable individuals like the homeless man in this case.