Mountain biker has close encounter with Cape cobra in viral video – WATCH

A mountain biking ride through the picturesque Cape Winelands took an unexpected turn when Icelandic visitor Thor Erinersson came face to face with one of South Africa’s most feared snakes – a Cape cobra.

Erinersson from Reykjavik was riding the Cape Winelands Trails when he encountered the highly venomous snake near Meerlust Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

READ | Warning of increased snake activity after Cape Town handler catches 7 puff adders

The encounter was captured in a video shared on social media by Myles Brown, accompanied by the caption: “When a Viking meets a Cape Cobra.”

Apologies for the audible profanity in the video – but we can hardly blame him!

Erinersson had the presence of mind to warn his fellow mountain bikers of the danger lurking on the side of the path.

The footage offers another reminder that South Africa’s natural beauty often comes hand-in-hand with encounters with wildlife that visitors to the country may not be accustomed to.

The incident reminded us of THIS encounter that another mountain biker had with a Cape cobra while riding the Tokai trails in Table Mountain National Park.

Cape cobra: A potentially deadly encounter

The Cape cobra is one of southern Africa’s most venomous snakes and is found across parts of the Western and Northern Cape.

Its venom is primarily neurotoxic, meaning a bite can affect the nervous system and potentially cause respiratory failure.

Cyclists, hikers and trail runners should remain alert, particularly when travelling through natural vegetation.

The safest response when encountering a snake is to keep a safe distance, avoid provoking or attempting to handle it, and allow it an opportunity to move away.

For Erinersson, what began as a ride through the Cape Winelands became an encounter with one of the region’s most recognisable – and dangerous – wild residents.

Have you ever encountered a snake while out mountain biking or trail running?