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Renowned KwaZulu-Natal Snake Rescuer Nick Evans Captures Massive African Rock Python Near New Germany’s Busy M19 Highway

KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal

Sometimes, what starts as a simple call can turn into an unforgettable adventure.

That’s exactly what happened when Nick Evans, a well-known snake rescuer based in KwaZulu-Natal, received a report about a snake sighting near the M19 highway in New Germany.

Little did he know he would come face-to-face with a huge African rock python—a rare and surprising visitor in this urban area.

A Surprise Python in an Unlikely Spot

Evans was initially doubtful about the snake’s identity because it’s not common to find pythons around there.

But when he arrived, he was stunned to see a massive 3.3 to 3.5-meter-long python sunbathing peacefully. “I didn’t expect to find a python here.

It’s definitely not typical of this area,” he shared.

Quick Thinking and Teamwork During the Rescue

What happened next was nothing short of dramatic.

As Evans carefully got closer, the python suddenly moved fast, forcing him to grab hold of its tail to stop it from disappearing into the bushes.

Thankfully, his colleague Joseph was there to help, and together they safely restrained the powerful snake.

Where Did the Python Come From?

Evans doesn’t believe the python came from the nearby New Germany Nature Reserve.

Instead, he suspects it might have hitched a ride on a truck and ended up near the highway by accident.

After the successful rescue, they released the snake into a secure and undisclosed location, ensuring it would be safe and away from the busy urban environment.

Why Trained Rescuers Are Essential

Reflecting on the incident, Evans highlighted how crucial trained wildlife rescuers are in situations like this.

“Without the right experience and care, things could have gone very wrong—for the snake or for people,” he explained.

The cooperation from the local municipality was swift and invaluable during the rescue.

A Reminder About Urban Wildlife and Conservation

This encounter shines a light on how unpredictable wildlife encounters can be, even in cities.

It also reminds us why conservation and public education about local wildlife, including snakes, matter so much in South Africa.