A loyal rottweiler, who lives with his family in Escombe, Queensburgh, South Africa, saved his owner from being bitten by a black mamba; a deadly venomous snake that had hidden inside of the family’s couch.
According to Nick Evans, a South Africa-based snake catcher, told the scary story on Facebook. The dog had been barking at the couch for days – even physically pushing his owner away whenever the man tried to sit down. Finally, the owner looked under the couch and spotted the snake.
In that moment, with the snake now more exposed, the Rottweiler ran in to attack this creature it saw as a threat. The homeowner grabbed the large dog as it ran past, just in time, and dragged it inside.
That may not sound like much, but I was super impressed by the homeowner’s actions. Not everyone could react fast like that in a moment like that.
I cannot tell you how many calls I get where people phone me while their dog is attacking the snake, resulting in a dead snake and at least one dead dog. I suppose panic takes over.
Nick Evans on FB
The black mambas have deadly venom, and if their bites are left untreated without the antivenom, the fatality rate is 100 percent. The snakes are mainly found across southern and eastern Africa and can grow to lengths of more than 10 feet; traveling at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour. This particular snake was about 7.2 feet in length.
Evans applauded the dog owner’s immediate reaction grabbing his dog and keeping him away from the snake. Too often the dog attacks the snake, and the dog dies.
The way this gentleman in Escombe reacted was exactly how one should react if a snake is encountered, and if you have dogs. NEVER let your dog out to kill a snake for you, it often ends badly for the dog too.
Unfortunately, dogs do usually find the snake before their owners, and many of the times it’s too late to do anything.
Nick Evans
The snake was caught, and it was a happy ending for everyone according to Evans. It was also heartwarming to see the love the family had for their dog – clearly protecting him and keeping him away, no matter how much the dog wanted to protect his family, from danger.
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