Shocking the family from Queensburgh, South Africa, a deadly six-foot black mamba emerged from beneath their Christmas tree, seemingly enjoying the festive setting.
The family was in disbelief as they witnessed the massive snake moving around inside the tree before seeking refuge behind a speaker.
The black mamba’s bite carries a 100% fatality rate if left untreated.
Seeking immediate help, the family called upon snake catcher Nick Evans to ensure the unwelcome visitor was removed promptly.
Nick shared a photo of the black mamba on Facebook and recounted the unexpected Christmas surprise to his followers.
“Santa left me an early Christmas present, although not at my house, no, under someone else’s Christmas tree,” he jested.
“I used tongs to retrieve it from its hiding place, carefully avoiding any wires or objects that could be knocked over, placed it on the lounge floor, and secured it,” Nick described the process.
Unsurprisingly, the family was left in great shock.
“It’s certainly one of the more unexpected places I’ve found a mamba,” Nick remarked.
Reactions poured in, with one person stating: “Christmas would be cancelled for me and my family. Will move out immediately,” while another expressed, “I’m not putting up a tree now!”
The black mamba is the world’s second-longest venomous snake, after the King Cobra, and has the potential to reach almost 10 feet in length. Its venomous bite can release a neurotoxin that can prove fatal to a human within 20 minutes if not treated.