reptile, and while a snake in the backyard is usually of
despite the vast majority of calls being a matter of simple
little concern, indoors can be a different matter altogether. identification, we still remove a large number of pythons
every year, often from indoors, and sometimes containing
a large bulge indicating the loss of a beloved pet. Their
Relocation is hardly ideal for snakes, and in some cases it
has been shown to produce high mortality rates, but the
risk that a large constrictor presents to family pets, includ-
ing smaller dogs, cats and poultry, results in many
non-venomous animals getting relocated. When this is
necessary, it is important that a release site be selected
within the animal’s home range. Morelia spilota is by far
the most commonly encountered snake in Brisbane, and
fondness for rodent/mammalian prey and raised, hollow
structures such as suburban ceiling cavities means these
large constrictors have easily adapted to the urban
environment. It is little wonder that accidents occur, yet a
few simple precautions, such as secured outdoor cat runs,
5mm steel aviary mesh for bird cages, etc., and keeping
animals indoors at night, practically eliminates any risk to
pets. However, many pet owners are nevertheless content
to let their cats and dogs roam freely, often
unsupervised and at night when large pythons are
out hunting for warm-blooded prey. Whether by
venomous bite or predation by python, the loss of a
1.
1.
Snakes frequently visit poultry, usually following the rodents look-
ing for leftover bird feed, however, bigger snakes can also swallow
large chickens or even ducks.
2. This tiny snake managed to squeeze into a breeding aviary for
budgerigars, eating one adult and around half a dozen chicks.
3. There was no way to save this long-deceased cat, and the owners
understood that the snake was just after a meal.
3.
2.