How Danie Pienaar Survived The Bite From Africa's Most Dangerous Snake ... The Black Mamba

Danie Pienaar is head of Scientific Services in the Kruger Park and in January 1998 was bitten by a black mamba snake .. the black mamba is named after the colour you see when it opens its mouth. It comes in a variety of colours from greenish to grey.

Mamba was in reeds close to river

Danie was close to the tributary of the Phabeni near Pretoriuskop and wanted to cross the river ... on approaching the river he saw a snake disappear into the rushes nearby. He saw enough to realise it was a very large black mamba. Danie was by himself and was bitten as he walked close to the reeds.

He quickly experienced the first symptoms of the bite like a metallic taste in his mouth, then he experienced pins and needles in his lips. He knew the venom was taking effect and he had to do something. He did not believe he would get help in time since he was far from is vehicle. He did manage to reach his bakkie (vehicle ... pick up) and drove shortest route to a main road inside the Park. By this stage he had tunnel vision and was sweating profusely.

The resident doctor at Skukuza camp advised rapid transport to Nelspruit hospital was required (about 70kms away) but the helicopter was not available so he journey was made by road in record time with a police escort.

By the time Danie reached hospital it had been about 2 hrs since the bite happened. Danie's condition worsened dramatically after the tourniquet he had tied around his leg earlier was removed. He became completely paralysed but conscious but the doctors did not realize he was awake.

Danie slowly recovered and returned to his duties in the Kruger National Park. By not panicking after the bite and managing to keep down his heartbeat anie probably saved his own life.