iHerp Australia Issue 11 | Page 23

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.