While digging to catch a giant python, the group of workers accidentally encountered a “third person” and were attacked so painfully that they had to run away.
Giant python discovered in an ecological area in South Africa
Briefly reported on December 18 that the incident occurred at the Zimbali Ecotourism Area in Ballito town, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.
Snake catcher Nick Evans and his close friend Nick Saunders (a reptile rescuer) were called to the zoo on the afternoon of December 16 after residents discovered a large python on the balcony of a house.
When Evans and Saunders arrived, the snake was gone. The pair searched the property together. They eventually found the snake hiding in a small tunnel under the stairs.
The two men decided to dig the ground to approach the python and catch the giant python . This process was not easy, and was even full of surprises.
“As soon as we arrived, we searched and discovered a small tunnel under the 6-7m long stairs of the porch. Through the gap, we could see traces of a large python that had been there. We decided to dig down to catch the python but unfortunately, the next part was a ledge. Saunders and I were forced to dig in another direction.
Finally, we dug a hole big enough to crawl into and look. As we crawled in and looked, my leg suddenly felt a sharp pain. It felt like something was stuck in it. I looked down and saw a lot of bees.
Evans crawled into the newly dug hole to observe and was stung by a bee.
“I quickly crawled out of the hole, while Saunders also ran to avoid the bees. I ran too but within seconds was surrounded by bees stinging all over my body from head, eyes, ears, neck to arms and legs. I ran 300m away from the nest but was still chased and stung,” Evans shared on the KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Society’s Facebook page.
Evans eventually had to enlist the help of bee catcher Johan Bodenstein. The beehive was located near where Evans and Saunders were digging the hole to catch the python, and while the two men were working, they accidentally entered the bee’s “forbidden zone” without knowing it.
Beekeeper Johan treats the hive
After the bees were dealt with, Evans and Saunders continued their hunt for the large python. Rather than go home, bee catcher Johan decided to stay behind to help with the torch and digging.
“At that time, it was getting dark and we wanted to catch the new python and bring it home. However, it was not as easy as we thought. The python was quite “stubborn”.
We were somewhat relieved to learn that there were no eggs near the snake, as getting the snake guarding the eggs out safely seemed like an impossible task. They were extremely aggressive at that time.
We cornered it at one end and poked it with sticks, hoping it would slither toward a hole a few meters away. After much effort, the snake finally crawled toward the hole. It stuck its big head out and saw me. Immediately, it turned its head back inside.
After a lot of chasing, we finally cornered the snake. I could have grabbed it now but I didn’t. A bite from the snake wouldn’t kill me because it wasn’t venomous, but its sharp teeth and the force of its bite could seriously injure my hand.
With no other choice, I tried to pull its head towards me with a clamp but it didn’t work. At that moment, the python suddenly rushed towards me. I tried to grab it and pull it out. If I missed, it would have bitten my face. Saunders and Johan helped me pull the python out,” Evans recounted.
Thus, after 6 hours of struggling since the discovery, 3 men were able to subdue the “giant” python, which was more than 4m long and weighed 33kg, and move it to a safe place.
After 6 hours, the python was over 4m long and weighed 33kg and was captured.
Evans (right), Saunders (middle) and Johan show off their achievements in subduing a “giant” python over 4m long.
After the incident was shared on Facebook, many people expressed their admiration and respect for those who subdued the large python and brought it to safety.
“They need to make a documentary about your work, Evans! Your stories are incredible,” wrote user Callen Gerrits.
While Natalie Singer commented: “Thank you for your tireless efforts. I must confess that I am not a fan of reptiles but I am glad to see you got it out of the habitat safely. Humans and reptiles can both live in peace.”
