Johannesburg - One of South Africa's leading snake experts, Johan Marais, landed in hospital after he was bitten by a puff adder, according to a report on Saturday.

Marais told Beeld newspaper that he was busy with training when the snake bit him.

He wanted to show people how quickly a puff adder could bite someone. This was something he had been doing for 35 years.

Marais said he pointed the sole of his boot towards the snake to attract it.

However, the snake moved past the sole and bit him through the side of the boot.

"It was painful, but not as bad as listening to Justin Bieber," Marais said from his hospital bed in Krugersdorp.