UPDATE: An elderly homeowner on Russell Island, just off the coast of Brisbane, experienced a terrifying wake-up call when two massive snakes weighing a combined 20kg crashed through his ceiling. The shocking incident occurred on Tuesday night, prompting the man, in his 80s, to urgently call emergency services after hearing a loud thud.
Authorities report that the two fighting pythons fell from a cavity in the ceiling, likely entering through a hole created by Category 2 Cyclone Alfred six months ago. Despite the enormous size of the reptiles, neither was willing to retreat from their confrontation, forcing a local reptile rescuer, Trish Harris, to intervene.
Upon arrival, Harris found the homeowner standing outside, safely away from the chaos unfolding in his kitchen. “I came around the corner and two massive snakes were tangled and fighting it out,” she told Yahoo News Australia. The dramatic scene was captured on video, showcasing the intense struggle between the pythons.
Harris, standing at just 155cm and weighing 56kg, faced a daunting challenge in removing the snakes. The larger python was estimated to exceed 2 meters in length and was thicker than her leg. After separating the snakes, she noted they were healthy but unwilling to leave the area.
As mating season approaches, male carpet pythons often engage in aggressive battles to assert dominance. “They didn’t want to play ball. There was no chance in hell I was going to be able to successfully lift him if he decided to wrap around me,” Harris explained.
Using her experience, Harris managed to drag one of the pythons outside, despite its attempts to latch onto everything in sight, including door jams and bins. She successfully maneuvered both snakes back into the nearby bush, away from the house and each other.
This incident highlights the increasing encounters between humans and wildlife, particularly in suburban areas where snakes seek refuge from heat or predators. As more homes are built near bushland, sightings of snakes are becoming more common.
Authorities stress that all native snakes in Australia are protected. Harming or killing these reptiles is illegal, and most bites occur when individuals attempt to move or attack them. Residents are advised to calmly observe snakes and contact local wildlife rescuers if needed.
For those living in snake-prone areas, it’s crucial to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid leaving pets unattended outside. With spring approaching, awareness of local wildlife is essential for safety.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details emerge about the homeowner’s shocking encounter with nature.
