Latest news with #SouthernAfricanPythons
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Watch: Python stuns safari staff in surprise under-car hideout near Pretoria
A routine vehicle check turned into an unexpected wildlife encounter at Mongena Game Lodge near Pretoria, when field guides discovered a massive Southern African Python curled up in the undercarriage of a safari vehicle. Pretoria Rekord reports that the protected snake appeared to be stuck between parts of the game-viewing vehicle, prompting a carefully co-ordinated rescue mission that lasted over an hour. The entire operation, from dismantling parts of the vehicle to gently washing and safely releasing the snake, was captured on video, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into bushveld life when the wild comes to camp. According to a statement by the lodge on Facebook, the python was discovered last Monday. 'This stunning Southern African Python had made itself [at] home in the undercarriage of one of the game viewers and seemed stuck between the various parts of the vehicle.' It furthermore said Southern African Pythons are a protected species in South Africa and play an important role within healthy and functioning ecosystems. 'Fearing it might injure itself, a rescue plan was quickly put in motion, and a team assembled to safely remove the snake without causing it any harm. 'After more than an hour, including removing parts of the vehicle, the python was successfully extracted. It was gently washed to remove any oils or residue it may have picked up and thoroughly examined for injuries. Once cleared, it was released safely back into the bush.'
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Massive python pulled from safari vehicle near Pretoria
A routine vehicle check turned into an unexpected wildlife encounter at Mongena Game Lodge near Pretoria, when field guides discovered a massive Southern African python curled up in the undercarriage of a safari vehicle. The protected snake appeared to be stuck between parts of the game viewer, prompting a carefully coordinated rescue mission that lasted over an hour. The entire operation — from dismantling parts of the vehicle to gently washing and safely releasing the snake — was captured on video, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into bushveld life when the wild comes to camp. Watch the video here: According to a statement by the lodge on Facebook the python was discovered on Monday. 'This stunning Southern African Python had made itself home in the undercarriage of one of the game viewers and seemed stuck between the various parts of the vehicle. It furthermore said Southern African Pythons are a protected species in South Africa and play an important role within a healthy and functioning ecosystem. 'Fearing it might injure itself, a rescue plan was quickly put in motion, and a team assembled to safely remove the snake without causing it any harm. 'After more than an hour, including removing parts of the vehicle, the python was successfully extracted. It was gently washed to remove any oils or residue it may have picked up and thoroughly examined for injuries. Once cleared, it was released safely back into the bush.' Also read: Snowfall alert for SA while Pretoria faces bitterly cold mornings Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
‘There shouldn't be a python here': Nick Evans stunned by snake discovery on Durban's M19
Nick Evans, a Durban snake catcher, with a python he rescued on the M19 near New Germany in Pinetown this week. Durban snake catcher Nick Evans rescued a three-metre python on the M19 near Pinetown. For Evans, what was unusual was that pythons are not usually found in these areas. Evan said he was contacted by the eThekwini Municipality about a large python hanging around a patch of bush next to the M19 near New Germany. "There's no pythons there, it will be a Black Mamba", Evans recalled telling the caller. He said there probably was a python population in the vicinity many, many decades ago, but they've since been wiped out. He said that while Mambas are also unusual, it was more likely. He said he followed them to the spot where they had seen the big snake. "When we arrived, I got out of my car, armed with my tongs, ready to catch the mamba. Then they pointed out the snake. I was shocked, it was a python." Evans said he put his thongs away and planned to grab its head, but the snake tried to escape into thicker bush. Evans said that with the help of his companion Joseph, they managed to catch the python. So, where did the python come from? "I don't believe it's an escaped pet. Southern African Pythons are a protected species, illegal to keep, and make terrible pets as they don't calm down. "Sometimes they're kept illegally in cruel conditions, not as pets, but for scamming reasons, but such snakes usually have injuries on their snouts from attempting to escape. He said there's an industrial area nearby. "Maybe, just maybe, it got into a truck somewhere, and got brought to the New Germany area." IOL News
