Science

Nature: Black Mamba

KTTZ | By Editor

Published May 29, 2012 at 6:00 AM CDT

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Philane, who staffs the reptile park oversaw by Thea and Clifton Litschka-Koen, educates and entertains local communities about the mamba in NATURE’s "Black Mamba."";

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In the tiny country of Swaziland in southern Africa, a team of snake handlers spearheaded by a mamba-rescuing couple is working to change public perception of one of Africa's deadliest snakes: the black mamba.

Andrew Yarme / Tigress Productions Limited

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The program features the story of this Tengetile family of a 13-year-old girl who died after stepping on a black mamba.

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Thea Litschka-Koen, holding a black mamba, leads a team of snake handlers in the first-ever study to radio-track a rescued mamba's movement.

Andrew Yarme / Tigress Productions Limited

The work of snake handler Thea Litschka-Koen and her husband Clifton in Swaziland to remove deadly black mamba snakes from people's homes and gardens, schools and hotel rooms. The snake, which can grow to 13 feet in length, possesses a deadly venom.

Airs Wednesday, May 30 at 7pm.

http://video.pbs.org/video/2043786860