A call for help from a Sunshine Coast resident gave an injured carpet python a chance to reach professional care.
The rescue led to the snake being transferred to Eumundi Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for specialist treatment.
Here's what to know
The Sunshine Valley Gazette reports that WILVOS wildlife rescuer Shanna was dispatched after a resident used the organisation's 24/7 wildlife hotline to report an injured carpet python. She safely secured the snake and delivered it to Eumundi Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for specialist care.
People may often fear snakes even though the snakes themselves are the ones actually in danger. In this case, calling trained wildlife responders got a native reptile into professional care without putting either the resident or the animal at further risk.
On the Sunshine Coast, carpet pythons are common enough that many locals are likely to encounter one around home or nearby bushland. Although the species is non-venomous, an injured or distressed snake is still not something an untrained person should try to handle.
Wildlife rescue efforts often depend on everyday people noticing when something is wrong and acting quickly. Thanks to just a single phone call, an injured snake was connected with a volunteer rescuer and a rehabilitation center in time for treatment.
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More background
Across the Sunshine Coast, carpet pythons turn up in places including bushland, backyards, roof cavities, and sheds, so they often live close to people. They usually grow to about 6.6 to 9.8 feet (two to three meters) long, and their blotched markings are what give them their carpet-like appearance.
Skin injuries are not always catastrophic for carpet pythons, which can sometimes recover remarkably well. Regular shedding can assist the healing process, but the outcome still depends on the type, depth, and severity of the injury.
Because the species is common, often encountered around homes, and able to recover with proper care, prompt rescue can directly improve outcomes for native wildlife living in the same neighborhoods.
What can be done?
A carpet python may be non-venomous, but that does not make it safe to pick up: bites can be painful and may lead to infection. For that reason, WILVOS says residents should never touch, move, or try to handle a snake.
WILVOS advises different responses depending on the problem: if a snake is somewhere that creates an issue, residents should call a professional snake handler; if the animal appears injured, the safest option is to keep a safe distance and contact WILVOS immediately through its 24/7 wildlife hotline at 07 54416200.
A WILVOS spokesperson summed up the significance of the rescue simply: "Calls like this make all the difference. Injured wildlife often can't wait, and the quick action of a member of the public gave this python its best chance."
Where can I learn more?
For more on the kinds of snake encounters wildlife responders and catchers deal with, these stories cover Queensland python removals, a deadly red-bellied black snake incident, a rescued python in rehabilitation, and an uncommon sea snake sighting on an Australian beach.
• In Australia, a snake catcher was devastated after a homeowner killed a red-bellied black snake before help arrived.
• At a Queensland home, a catcher found a huge python atop an outdoor air conditioner.
• Under a Sunshine Coast house, rescuers pulled out a swollen python after it swallowed a family cat.
• At a Philippines refuge, keepers freed an injured python and later returned it to the wild.
• On an Australian beach, a woman spotted a vivid banded sea krait, rare and highly venomous.
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