A snake frightened an elderly couple in Queensland, Australia, until they learned the reptile wasn't actually very threatening, according to USA Today's For The Win.
Here's what to know
A Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers handler arrived at the Glasshouse Mountains home and soon determined that the visitor was a common green tree snake.
The snake had chosen a particularly unusual hiding place, settling beneath an old doll in the room. The organization (@SCSC247) posted a video of the encounter on YouTube.
"I'm just going to take a little video cause it's in a funny spot," Summer, who caught the snake, told the couple in the video.
Summer then lifted the doll with one hand and picked up the snake with the other. The people living in the home were impressed by the calm removal.
"You are so brave. Superwoman!" one of the residents exclaimed.
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Green tree snakes have no venom and no fangs, making them harmless to humans.
According to the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, green tree snakes frequently turn up in Australian parks, suburban backyards, and inner-city gardens.
More background
The species is found in eastern and northern Australia, where it sleeps in places like tree hollows and rock crevices.
Homes and other human-built environments can unintentionally become shelter for wild animals, especially as neighborhoods expand into areas where they already live.
According to the BBC, human activity strongly influences the rising rate of human encounters with animals.
As temperatures rise and land development shrinks habitats, wildlife and people are being forced into increasingly close proximity.
What can be done?
Calling a trained snake catcher protected both the couple and the animal. If something like this ever happens to you, it's always a great idea to get a professional involved.
Where can I learn more?
Snake encounters like this one happen often around homes and public places, especially in Australia.
• In Australia, a poisonous snake discovery left a veteran catcher furious after a homeowner killed the animal.
• At a home in Moreton Bay, Queensland, a large brown snake hissed and struck from the shower.
• A model train tunnel inside a home in Queensland became a brown tree snake's nap spot.
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