Student killed by South African snake

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12 (UPI) -- A British student who hoped to become a veterinarian has been killed by a bite from a black mamba while on a study trip to South Africa.

Nathan Layton died a few minutes after he was bitten, The Times of London reported.

Layton and his girlfriend were taking a course with Bushwise, an environmental group that has training programs for wildlife rangers. The snake struck as they walked through tall grass with other students and teachers.

The black mamba grows up to 12 feet long, making it one of the largest venomous snakes as well as one of the deadliest. Mambas can move fast over short distances. They are usually shy but can attack swiftly and without warning if they feel threatened.

Layton's aunt, Jacqui Edwards, told The Daily Mail that Layton was a "loving caring person with such a warm heart."

Layton used compensation he received for a car crash to pay for the trip to South Africa. He hoped to become a vet, caring for African wildlife, the report said.