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Snakes are waking up. What should you do if you’re bitten? And what if you’re a long way from help?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hamish-bradley-2217649">Hamish Bradley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-western-australia-1067">The University of Western Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alice-richardson-252002">Alice Richardson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/breeanna-spring-1545193">Breeanna Spring</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-darwin-university-1066">Charles Darwin University</a></em></p> <p>From the creeks that wind through inner city Melbourne to the far outback in Western Australia, snake season is beginning.</p> <p>Over the cooler months snakes have been in state of <a href="https://youtu.be/FjXOzNjZjoU?si=Mc0eeayVk4VU9906">brumation</a>. This is very similar to hibernation and characterised by sluggishness and inactivity. As warmer conditions return both snakes and humans become more active in the outdoors, leading to an increased likelihood of interaction. This may happen when people are hiking, dog-walking or gardening.</p> <p>The risk of being bitten by a snake is exceptionally small, but knowing basic first aid could potentially save your, or another person’s, life.</p> <h2>When a snake bites</h2> <p>Snake bite envenomation (when venom enters the blood stream) is a significant issue in Australia, with <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.5694/mja17.00094">3,000 cases annually and an average of two deaths</a>.</p> <p>Snake bite should always be <a href="https://stjohnwa.com.au/online-resources/first-aid-information-and-resources/snake-bite">treated</a> as a life-threatening emergency, and if you are bitten in rural or remote Australia, you will often receive an air medical emergency pick up to a regional or metropolitan hospital for advanced care.</p> <p>The effects of snake bites vary, depending on the species of snake and first aid measures undertaken.</p> <p>Australian <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/snake-bites">standard first aid guidelines</a> include:</p> <ul> <li>calling for help (dialing 000 or activating an emergency beacon)</li> <li>applying a pressure immobilisation bandage</li> <li>resting.</li> </ul> <h2>Why pressure is important</h2> <p>Snake venom is carried within the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-are-lymph-nodes-and-can-a-massage-really-improve-lymphatic-drainage-209334">lymphatic system</a>. This is a collection of tiny tubes throughout the body that return fluid outside of blood vessels back to the blood stream.</p> <p>Muscles act as a “<a href="https://theconversation.com/pneumatic-compression-therapy-can-it-really-help-olympians-or-you-recover-after-exercise-236228">pump</a>” to help the fluid move through this system. That’s why being still, or immobilisation, is vital to slow the spread of venom.</p> <p>A firm pressure immobilisation bandage, applied as tight as you would for a sprained ankle, will compress these tubes and help limit the venom’s spread.</p> <p>Ideally bandage the entire limb on which the bite occurred and apply a splint to help further with immobilisation. It is very important that the blood supply to the limb is not limited by this bandage.</p> <p>Never attempt to capture or kill the snake for identification. This risks further bites and is not required for specialist care. The decision about when to give antivenom (if any) is based on the geographical location, symptoms, the results of blood tests and discussion with a toxicologist.</p> <h2>The tyranny of distance</h2> <p>People living in rural and remote locations may also have limited access to health care, including access to ambulance services, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10871209.2020.1769778">snake bite first aid</a> such as bandages and splints, and to antivenom.</p> <p>Availability and the prompt use of antivenom have been identified as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590171022000558">crucial factors in the effective treatment</a> of snake envenomation – but not studied in detail.</p> <p>Over one year (as a component of a larger three-year study) we collected information on the pre-hospital care and in-flight care with the Royal Flying Doctors Service Western Operations.</p> <p>During this time, 85 people from regional, rural, remote and very remote Western Australia were flown by Royal Flying Doctor Service to hospital for suspected or confirmed snake bites. Reassuringly, only five of these patients (6%) ultimately received a toxicologist’s diagnosis of envenomation.</p> <h2>To move or not to move?</h2> <p>Troublingly, 38 (45%) of the 85 snake bite victims continued to move around and be active following their suspected snake bite. This raises questions about whether people lack knowledge of first-aid guidelines, or whether this is a consequence of being isolated, with limited access to health care.</p> <p>Either way, our as-yet-unpublished research highlights the vulnerability of Australia’s rural and remote people. All patients eventually received a pressure immobilisation bandage, with an average time from bite to application of 38 minutes. Three quarters of the patients made their way to health-care site by foot, or private car, arriving on average 65 minutes after the bite.</p> <h2>What needs to change?</h2> <p>Our results indicate rural and remote Australians need innovative health-care solutions beyond the metropolitan guidelines, particularly when outside ambulance service areas.</p> <p>Basic snake bite first aid education needs to be not only reiterated but also a pragmatic approach is required in these geographically isolated locations. This would involve being vigilant, staying safe and, when isolated, always carrying emergency technology to call for help.</p> <hr /> <p><em>The authors wish to acknowledge the efforts required through this research project as it continues, including by Fergus Gardiner, Kieran Hennelly, Rochelle Menzies, James Anderson, Alex McMillan and John Fisher. Hamish Bradley is an Aeromedical Retrieval Specialist and Principal Investigator in this project.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/234365/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hamish-bradley-2217649">Hamish Bradley</a>, Adjunct Lecturer, Anaesthetist and Aeromedical Retrieval Specialist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-western-australia-1067">The University of Western Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alice-richardson-252002">Alice Richardson</a>, Associate professor and lead of Statistical Support Network, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/breeanna-spring-1545193">Breeanna Spring</a>, PhD student, Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights, Faculty of Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-darwin-university-1066">Charles Darwin University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/snakes-are-waking-up-what-should-you-do-if-youre-bitten-and-what-if-youre-a-long-way-from-help-234365">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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New details on man killed by snake at childcare centre

<p>A childcare centre in Queensland, where father-of-three suffered a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/dad-dies-after-being-bitten-by-deadly-snake-in-child-care-centre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fatal snake bite</a>, is under investigation by workplace safety officials. </p> <p>Jerromy Brookes, 47, was bitten multiple times on his arm while attempting to remove a snake from the premises on Tuesday afternoon. He was not a qualified snake catcher, and tragically passed away in Townsville Hospital after going into cardiac arrest at his home in Deeragun. </p> <p>“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is investigating an incident that occurred at a business in Townsville,” a spokesperson told 7News. </p> <p>“As this is a current investigation, WHSQ is not able to provide further information at this time.”</p> <p>WHSQ has the power to prosecute allegations of workplace safety breaches. </p> <p>Brooke is survived by his wife and three children. </p> <p>His wife was the person who called emergency services and provided first aid when Brookes began showing symptoms at home. </p> <p>A family friend has paid tribute to the fallen father saying: “Jerromy was helping remove a snake from another childcare centre in Townsville when the incident occurred." </p> <p>“He was doing his very best to keep the children safe.”</p> <p>It was believed that Brookes was trying to remove an eastern brown snake, one of the deadliest in the world, however the species has not been officially confirmed. </p> <p>Police are reportedly not investigating the incident as a criminal matter, but are working to provide a report for the coroner. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Dad dies after being bitten by deadly snake in child care centre

<p>A beloved father has passed away after reportedly trying to remove an eastern brown snake from a child care centre in North Queensland. </p> <p>Jeremy Brookes attended the child care centre on Tuesday afternoon after one of his relatives reportedly called him over to remove the snake, according to <em>The Courier Mail</em>. </p> <p>Brookes was not a qualified snake handler and was bitten multiple times on his hand and arm.</p> <p>According to Queensland Ambulance Service acting district director Paula Marten, Brookes then managed to drive to his Deeragun home but he soon went into cardiac arrest.</p> <p>HIs wife performed CPR until paramedics arrived and he was rushed to hospital, but unfortunately could not be saved. </p> <p>“(He) was found to be in cardiac arrest by our crews,” Marten said. </p> <p>“The call was made by the patient’s wife, who then commenced CPR as the patient went into cardiac arrest.</p> <p>“The information provided to us was that the gentleman had been bitten in a different location and attended back to his residence, where his wife has immobilised his arm and wrapped it, when the onset of the symptoms occurred.”</p> <p>She added that snake bites were common in North Queensland and they were rarely fatal, but advised that if "you’re not aware of snakes, treat them as if they are venomous."</p> <p>“It’s really important that you stay calm and keep the person calm.</p> <p>“Apply basic first aid, which would be immobilisation and using compression bandages, and contact triple-0.</p> <p>“If you are unsure about what first aid measures to take, call triple-0, and they will walk you through what you need to do for the patient.”</p> <p>Eastern Brown Snakes are one of the most deadly snakes in the world, with the second most toxic venom. </p> <p>They can be found across the east of Australia including the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, NSW and the ACT.</p> <p>Brookes is believed to be the first person to have died from a snake bite in Australia this year. </p> <p>Last year, two people died from suspected eastern brown snake bites in Australia. </p> <p><em>Images: Facebook/ news.com.au</em></p>

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“What a legend”: Brave Aussie pensioner saves puppy from a snake

<p dir="ltr">An Aussie pensioner has gone the extra mile to save her terrified puppy from a carpet snake. </p> <p dir="ltr">Anne Murphy, a woman from NSW’s Lennox Head, captured the moment her 80-year-old mother went toe-to-toe with the slippery intruder who was terrorising her dog and shared the interaction on a Facebook page called Australian Country Memes. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to Anne, her mother bolted out the door one Monday evening when she heard her dog “screaming”, when she was confronted with the carpet snake. </p> <p dir="ltr">The non-venomous snake had wrapped around the small dog and bitten it on the chin, when the 80-year-old intervened. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman was “bitten three times” by the snake, before she “caught the snake so it could be taken out to the bush and hopefully not make its way back to her place”. </p> <p dir="ltr">She then took her puppy to the vet, and got home three hours after the incident first happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">The post has since received over 2,000 likes and hundreds comments, hailing the 80-year-old as a “legend“, “gutsy” and a “wonderful woman.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is a true blue here. My hat is off to you, amazing lady,” one person wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another added, “Way to go! That’s just what country people do. God love her, they don’t make them like that anymore.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook</em></p>

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"Coca coila": Robert Irwin rescues a python stuck in a vending machine

<p>Robert Irwin has successfully rescued a carpet python stuck a vending machine at Australia Zoo. </p> <p>The young conservationist took to Instagram to share the moment he rescued the snake with the caption: "So this was a first for me…"</p> <p>The carpet python was visibly stuck behind a few soft drink bottles, and as the vending machine was being opened, the 19-year-old joked, "here's our chance, free Coca Cola!"</p> <p>He then got down to business, trying to coax the snake out while explaining, "what we don't want is for him to go up into the wiring.</p> <p>"We don't want to make him too upset, 'cause we want him to come out nice and smooth," he added as he pulled the snake out of the vending machine. </p> <p>The young conservationist sounded exactly like his late father, Steve Irwin, as he tried to calm down the non-venomous snake. </p> <p>"Keep coming, mate, keep coming. Nearly there buddy, nearly there," he said. </p> <p>As he examined the snake, he pointed out that the snake must have gotten injured before. </p> <p>"This bloke has obviously got a spirit of getting himself caught in weird situations, 'cause he's missing the end of his tail. </p> <p>"We'll relocate this guy," he assured, as the snake wrapped around his arm, Robert wags a finger at him and jokingly says: "don't go in any more vending machines, alright?!"</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw7cZl4hX4C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw7cZl4hX4C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans were in awe at Robert's striking resemblance to his late dad, and praised him for skills. </p> <p>"God you are the spitting image of the old man. He would be proud as punch," commented one fan. </p> <p>"I can hear his dad, “no more being a naughty boy!”" wrote another. </p> <p>"Call him coca coila," another quipped. </p> <p>"Watching you is like watching your dad many years ago. You're just such an incredible human," commented a fourth.  </p> <p>"Your dad must be screaming in the high heavens “that’s my boy” look at him fearless with the snake!" wrote another. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Shocking moment Glenn McGrath grabs three snakes with bare hands

<p>Aussie Cricket legend Glenn McGrath has turned into a part time snake wrangler after having to remove three snakes from his rural Queensland property with his bare hands.</p> <p>McGrath found the carpet pythons slithering inside his home on Wednesday, and decided to share the footage of him removing the unwelcome guests in different locations in his house. </p> <p>One python was inside his pantry, another was in the living room and third was making its way across the hall.</p> <p>"After plenty of encouragement and support from my wife, all three Coastal Carpet Pythons that were in the house were safely released back into the bush," he captioned the video. </p> <p>In the video, his wife Sara screamed in absolute horror as he removed one of the snakes by grabbing its tail, carefully wrapping it around a mop, and taking it outside.</p> <p>"You're going to get bitten," she screamed. </p> <p>McGrath calmly reassured her that he had it all under control. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw3aLO5yCV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw3aLO5yCV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fortunately, the carpet pythons are a non-venomous breed, so there was no real threat to McGrath. </p> <p>However, many fans of the cricketer still applauded his bravery in the comments. </p> <p>"Haha good technique mate. Steve Irwin couldn't have done it any better," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"This is better than his 50 he scored against New Zealand," quipped another. </p> <p>"Keeping a good line and length between self and snake! Good work!" wrote a third. </p> <p>"This 🐍 knows he’s being handled by a CHAMP.. " commented a fourth. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Snake catcher’s “hilarious” find in homeowner's toilet

<p>Adelaide man Rolly is no stranger to catching and safely relocating venomous snakes, but a recent job had him in stitches.</p> <p>He has been a snake catcher for over five decades and revealed to <em>Yahoo News Australia </em>that it’s not often the reptiles that shock him the most, rather it's his insight into other people’s lives.</p> <p>"I've seen everything," he said. "From whips and chains in the cellar to dope crops in a shed.”</p> <p>The most recent and “hilarious” insight came from a phone call he received from a panicked resident who asked him to retrieve a snake from her toilet. After receiving an image of the “reptile”, Rolly called the resident back immediately.</p> <p>"Look it's not a snake, it's some type of tapeworm... and it's probably come out of your bum," he recalled himself telling her. "I think you need to go to a chemist.”</p> <p>Rolly uploaded the image of the creature and shared the conversation with followers.</p> <p>“As snake catchers we do quite often get unusual phone calls and findings - so this one we just add to the list…,” he began his caption.</p> <p>“phone call “I’ve got a snake in my toilet”. Snake Catcher “Ok can you send me through a photo and I’ll call you back”.”</p> <p>“Caller “Sure I’ll do that now”.”</p> <p>“Snake Catcher “Ah I think you need to go to the chemist and ask for some Conbantrin - it’s not a snake”.”</p> <p>“Caller “Con wha”.”</p> <p>The post, which attracted more than 3,000 reactions on the social media site was instantly flooded with comments.</p> <p>“I'd rather see a snake in my loo then that lol,” one wrote.</p> <p>“At least the toilet is clean !” another joked.</p> <p>A person with seemingly first-hand experience chimed in and said, “I went on a call out years ago and had the same thing. I didn't know what to say to them.”</p> <p>The situation did not deter Rolly from his job and he seemed in good spirits.</p> <p>"I was going to ask her if she wanted to go fishing and she could have stood next to me and supplied the worms," he joked.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook</em></p>

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How to snake-proof your house and garden

<p>If there’s one thing that strikes fear into many Australians, it’s snakes. Sure, some of them are harmless but they are still the last thing you want to see in your home or garden. There are some ways to make your home less inviting to these reptiles.</p> <p><strong>1. Block their entrance</strong></p> <p>Snakes like to hide in quiet places such as your roof, garage or underneath the house. Try to make it harder for them to get in by covering any holes leading in or out, and ensuring that screens and doors are kept shut.</p> <p><strong>2. Keep your garden tidy</strong></p> <p>Snakes like to hide, so keep things neat in the backyard to stop them finding a place to do so. Keep your lawns mowed, and garden beds weeded. Keep your shed locked, and be sure to have a clear out regularly to remove any old boxes. If you have wood stored outside try to have minimal space between each piece so that they can’t use it as shelter. Avoid keeping grass clippings and mulch in a pile as snacks find the warmth appealing.</p> <p><strong>3. Seal holes in walls</strong></p> <p>Snakes love rock and brick walls as they can use them to keep warm, provide shelter, and find food. Block up any holes that they could hide in by filling them in.</p> <p><strong>4. Reduce the rodent population</strong></p> <p>Snakes like houses that have mice and rats, so try reducing their numbers. Place bait in your house and garden (ensure it is pet-friendly) and this should reduce the chances of snakes hanging around.</p> <p><strong>5. Keep birds safe</strong></p> <p>Ensure any chook pens or bird cages are well protected from snakes entering them. Also be sure to keep them clean so that rats and mice aren’t entering the pens either.</p> <p><strong>6. Keep your bins tidy</strong></p> <p>When you dispose of food scraps, always ensure they are in a sealed garbage bag in your bin, rather than just loose. This will keep rats and mice away, and therefore snakes too.</p> <p><strong>7. Watch your plant choice</strong></p> <p>Think about the types of plants in your garden if snakes are an issue. Low shrubs and bushes are the ideal spot for a snake. Taller trees and flowers could be a better option. Also be sure to keep leaf litter to a minimum as it’s the perfect hiding spot for snakes.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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“Rarest species of feline on Earth”: Unique cat mystifies the internet

<p dir="ltr">A photo of the “rarest species of feline on Earth”, a cat with black and neon yellow stripes, has mystified the internet.</p> <p dir="ltr">The incredible photo of the “Amazon snake cat” is truly unbelievable.</p> <p dir="ltr">The image of the so-called “Serpens Cattus”, a feline with black and neon-yellow stripes resembling a snake, made waves online, with social media posts claiming it was the “rarest species of feline on Earth”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Serpens Cattus is the rarest species of feline on Earth. These Animals live in hard-to-reach regions of the Amazon rainforest, and therefore they are relatively poorly studied,” a Twitter user claimed. “The first images capturing the snake cat appeared only in 2020. Weighs up to 4 stone (25kgs).”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://t.co/rpeMQKCF4I">pic.twitter.com/rpeMQKCF4I</a></p> <p>— Jeff_kamara2 (@Kamara2R) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kamara2R/status/1635669633553367040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">A now-deleted Reddit post of the “Serpens Cattus” attracted several comments who flagged the feline as not being real. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Obvious fake. No known gene can produce natural hair or fur of those (navy and bright yellow) colours,” one commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Really rough attempt at a fake Latin name,” a second person chimed in. “One google about species naming would have made this a lot less obvious.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The post caught the eye of zoology experts to verify the authenticity of the photo.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the colours and patterns on the female bare a strong resemblance to the reptilian boiga dendrophila, which is commonly referred to as the “gold-ringed cat snake”.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo &amp; Conservation Biology Institute, the snake is found in the same countries where the “Amazon snake cat” was rumoured to be found. </p> <p dir="ltr">The serpent-like feline slid over to TikTok, where one user claimed that the species lived in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s in the next fantastic beasts,” laughed one user referencing the Harry Potter spin-off franchise.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Use this s**t for good not to misinform,” another user wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Stop sharing bulls**t,” a third commented. </p> <p dir="ltr">It's clear to see the mysterious feline has certainly left some in hiss-belief.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-919797d4-7fff-89ab-2d2e-e88b391d041a"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Don't die!": Chezzi Denyer takes on snake while Grant hides inside

<p>Grant Denyer has shared a video to instagram of his incredibly brave wife – Chezzi – defending the family home (and her own pet dog) from an advancing brown snake that had been lurking in the garden.</p> <p>As the slithering brown snake made its way towards the house, Grant remained<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> sheltered inside along with their daughters Sunday, Scout and Sailor, while Chezzi stood firm and attempted to shoo the invader away with a pair of barbecue tongs and a broom.</span></p> <p>After posting the video of the scary encounter, Grant wrote “Go Chez!" before going on to reveal why it was Chezzi who was taking on the snake rather than himself:</p> <p>“When Mr Brown comes to visit, trust the chick who had snakes as a kid to take care of it.</p> <p>“Mumma bear protecting the dog and family while TV Dad filmed it all from safely behind double glazed glass.</p> <p>“Didn’t think I ever saw Steve Irwin use BBQ tongs tho. Was she scaring it away or cooking it?”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnJd0Ctjf8Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnJd0Ctjf8Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Grant Denyer (@grantdenyer)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Grant can also be heard shouting in the video, “You see it, Chez? It’s coming for the stairs.”</p> <p>As the snake gets closer to the back stairs, Grant yells again: “CHEZ?”, sounding truly worried.</p> <p>The camera then pans to Chezzi trying to shoo the snake away.</p> <p>“That’s the washerwoman Chez,” Grant can be heard saying in the background.</p> <p>One of the girls then shouts out, “I love you Mum!” and Grant adds, “Don’t die!”</p> <p>“Aw, this is really scary,” Sailor can be heard saying.</p> <p>“Mummy’s very brave.”</p> <p>After the encounter was over and the video had been posted, Chezzi herself took to the comments section, writing: “Just a Mum trying to cook dinner on time when the kids spot a big snake coming for the dog.”</p> <p>“Safely relocated the big brown to the bottom side of the paddock away from the kids ... and finished dinner on time.”</p> <p>Adding eye-roll emojis, she said: “And the eye rolls were for Grant and his helpful commentary from inside.”</p> <p>Of course Grant and Chezzi's Instagram followers did not remain neutral when it came to assessing who was the hero in the incident. </p> <p>The Morning Show co-host Larry Emdur even chimed in, joking: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">“Bro, firstly I love it how you scream for Chezzi (what a brave husband and protective father you are ). </span>secondly grab a snake survival kit from my mates at @survivalfirstaid immediately.<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">"</span></p> <p>“Mum is so brave…I love you mum!” added TV personality Lisa Wilkinson, while podcaster Abbie Chatfield simply wrote: “Hell yeah!”</p> <p>“Chezzi Denyer you are a legend,” one fan wrote.</p> <p>“The girls’ commentary is the best!” noted another.</p> <p>“Not all heroes wear capes, some hold barbecue tongs,” observed a third.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Russell Crowe’s close call with slithery “buddy”

<p dir="ltr">Russell Crowe has shared a snap of the venomous snake he had a close encounter with over the weekend, with a warning for others who could come in contact with them.</p> <p dir="ltr">Crowe came across the snake while walking barefoot outside his home in Nana Glen, to the west of Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6691f7c2-7fff-d812-7f3b-8770e1449cfd">“On the driveway. Me and my buddy Band Bandy. Thankfully, his markings broadcast his presence,” the <em>Gladiator</em> star wrote on Twitter, accompanied by a photo of the reptile.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">On the driveway. Me and my buddy Bandy Bandy.<br />Thankfully, his markings broadcast his presence. Broke one of my own rules, walking outside, at night, without shoes. A little reminder of the folly of that choice. <a href="https://t.co/wP0YNNLXkJ">pic.twitter.com/wP0YNNLXkJ</a></p> <p>— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1599342690751361025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Broke my own rules, walking outside at night, without shoes. A little reminder of the folly of that choice.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-501b7a5d-7fff-05e4-bac2-ae108b03f4ce"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The 58-year-old also shared a clip of the Bandy Bandy, a snake that is endemic to Australia, with the caption: “Who’s my buddy now?”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who’s my buddy now ? <a href="https://t.co/tgkmxPVUD9">pic.twitter.com/tgkmxPVUD9</a></p> <p>— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1599341335861133312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">His close call comes shortly after he shot down rumours he had married Britney Theriot, his girlfriend of two years, after the <em>Broken City</em> actress was spotted leaving an Italian hotel wearing a ring on her wedding ring.</p> <p dir="ltr">Crowe reportedly dismissed the gossip in a text message to 2Day FM radio host Erin Molan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“'[He texted me] Yeah, good guess. We are not married'.. Yeah, they are not married…” Molan said on the <em>Hughesy, Ed, Erin</em> show last month.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-dbdd28f5-7fff-1a97-126f-56491f8930fa"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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The best low maintenance pets

<p dir="ltr">If you’ve always wanted a pet but never really bothered because of how high maintenance it is, fret not.</p> <p dir="ltr">Below is a list of five of the lowest maintenance pets to have. </p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Hamster</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">These cute little furry animals are super easy to take care of once they’re set up.</p> <p dir="ltr">All you need is to make sure they have a water bottle, food bowl and their wheel. </p> <ol start="2"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Guinea Pig</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">The adorable guinea pigs are low maintenance and look after themselves. A dream, right?! </p> <p dir="ltr">They require a bath here and there and the usual cage, bedding, food and water. </p> <ol start="3"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Turtle</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">The Painted Turtle is possibly one of the best pets to have because it doesn’t even need to be fed everyday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Feed it a couple of times a week, make sure it's comfortable in the new aquatic home where the temperature and cleanliness are looked after. </p> <ol start="4"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Snake</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">You’re probably thinking what the hell? But obviously get a reptile that isn’t venomous. </p> <p dir="ltr">They are super easy to care for as long as you keep them in a properly sized tank, maintain the tank at a comfortable temperature and feed them their preferred meals.</p> <ol start="5"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Sea Monkey (aka Brine Shrimp)</strong></p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">These tiny creatures were only created in the last century and are sold in hatching kits.</p> <p dir="ltr">All you need to do is set up their water tank, feed them every five days and keep their tank well-oxygenated. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Just another day in Oz": Man bitten by snake while working from home

<p>An Aussie man was on the sharp-toothed end of a frightening surprise after a highly venomous snake slithered its way right under his chair.</p> <p>Footage has emerged showing the gentleman working outside enjoying a drink, all the while a snake emerges from the grassy patch behind him and slowly inches closer to his chair.</p> <p>The man is deep in concentration while the stealthy critter makes its way over to him.</p> <p>The snake pauses for a brief moment under his chair before it suddenly springs up and attempts to strike the unsuspecting man's foot.</p> <p>Startled, the man quickly pulls his legs up and springs his chair backwards to safety. The snake then rapidly moves offscreen as the man catches his breath.</p> <p>Posted on Reddit under the username, Riawarra, the man confirms that he was sitting for roughly 45 minutes before the reptile surprised him.</p> <p>Commenters speculated about its species, many believing it to be a red belly black snake.</p> <p>However, Riawarra confirmed it to be a tiger snake, having had a previous encounter with it inside the home two weeks ago.</p> <p>'This one must have a nest in the front garden and heard me,' he said.</p> <p>The video captioned 'just a normal day in Oz', had reddit users quick to comment on his frightened reaction.</p> <p>'Being Oz, I half expected the guy to casually pick up the snake and throw it back into the bush. Venomous or not,' one user wrote.</p> <p>Users were quick to dub the man 'Santa Claus' because of his long grey hair and beard.</p> <p>'That would have been the last straw for me this year... floods, Covid lockdowns, and then knowing the millions of sad kids this Christmas who won't be visited by Santa,' another user commented.</p> <p>Tiger snakes are responsible for the second-highest number of bites in Australia, as they inhabit areas along the east coast, including some highly populated metropolitan areas.</p> <p>They are one of the most venomous snakes in the world, they are responsible for 31 recorded deaths since 1893 - the most recent in 2020, a 78-year old man who was bitten five times on his farm in Tasmania.</p> <p><em>Image: Reddit</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Extremely valuable snake found hiding in city bin

<p>An abandoned pet snake has been spotted on bustling Oxford Street in the Sydney CBD, with authorities saying the precious reptile is worth around $1000.</p><p>The very out-of-place diamond head python was discovered hiding in a bin outside a Paddington barber's shop, after which a helpful bystander coaxed the snake into a leather bag for safe-keeping.</p><p>The native Australian reptile's rare appearance has sparked concern among authorities and wildlife carers, with the incident now set to be investigated by police.</p><p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/snake-on-bin.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="261" /></p><p>The snake was taken to a vet to be treated for minor injuries, which are believed to have been inflicted by its previous owner.</p><p>Once given the all-clear, the python will be given the chance to find a new owner and fresh start.</p><p>According to Australia Zoo, diamond pythons are closely related to the commonly recognised carpet python.</p><p>They are often black in colour with cream or yellow, diamond-shaped blotches covering the entire length of their body. Being a python, they are non-venomous. They constrict their prey in order to kill it and then consume it whole.</p><p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Family finds 1.3m snake wrapped around mirror

<p><em>Image: Brisbane North Snake Catcher/Facebook</em></p> <p>Checking your rear-view mirrors is essential before driving off. However, one Queensland family has discovered another big reason to perform this important safety check.</p> <p>The family had been off enjoying a picnic north of Brisbane on Sunday. Upon returning to the car – much to their shock – have discovered a large snake wrapped around the rear view mirror.</p> <p>According to Brisbane North Snake Catcher director Josh Castle, this was an unusual place to find a snake. “I’ve never seen it,” he told 7News.</p> <p>“I have pulled them out of car bonnets and stuff like that, which is more to be expected because they can into a bonnet from underneath.</p> <p>“The fact it was actually in the car and soaking in the sun through the window on the mirror is quite weird.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845991/new-project-8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/44e7a1c59704460f8dd92137545a5f90" /></p> <p>The snake has been identified as a coastal carpet python approximately 1.3.m.</p> <p>“We’ve pretty much found them everywhere now. That pretty much tickets every box on where we’ve found them,” he said.</p> <p>Naturally, the internet absolutely lost its collective mind when photos of the car invader emerged.</p> <p>“Sell the damn car, it belongs to the snake now,” wrote another.</p>

Travel Trouble

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"He's proper mad at you": Why Karl walked off set

<p>It’s no secret that <em>Today </em>host Karl Stefanovic hates creepy crawlies of all types. So, when he was talking with some snake catchers this morning, the worst thing happened.</p> <p>Stefanovic and co-host, Allison Langdon, were chatting to a trio of Queensland snake catchers and as they wrapped up the interview, something gave Stefanovic the fright of his life.</p> <p>Unbeknownst to Stefanovic, weather presenter Tim Davies was hiding behind the couch he was sitting on.</p> <p>Davies had planned the prank and he reached up from behind the couch to touch Stefanovic’s shoulder as the chat was wrapping up.</p> <p>"Good on you, guys. Thanks for being with us. Appreciate. What a gorgeous day," Stefanovic said before screaming loudly. As Langdon burst out laughing and then when he realised what had happened, Stefanovic threw a pillow at Davies.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PFvsj6hNkdE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>But that’s when Stefanovic stood up and walked off set.</p> <p>As he walked away, he could be heard muttering under his breath.</p> <p>Langdon admonished Davies saying: "That's the best. He is proper mad with you, Tim," she said.</p> <p>"Note, the moment the team fell apart, 8:53.57," she added.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c87af49c6c594a1ba1cae78e5203ea8a" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.39904610492846px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844045/karl-walks-out-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c87af49c6c594a1ba1cae78e5203ea8a" /></p> <p><em>Image: Today Show</em></p>

TV

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Sneaky snake stumps social media

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A photo shared by a snake catcher has left dozens scratching their heads while attempting to spot the hidden reptile.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The image, shared by Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, asked followers if they could see where the snake was in the photo.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though many people commented on the “fairly easy” post with their guesses, with the apparently normal-looking hedge making some followers question their eyesight.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.53846153846155px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843356/bef582329eea8dc282fa83f634b91c739e44667e.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6734aa1f44754460b304507088e54da9" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Facebook</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If this is easy I have no chance with a hard one,” one person commented.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I would die in Australia because I would never see snakes,” a second added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The snake catchers later revealed the answer, sharing how the snake was in the corner of the bush.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.53846153846155px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843355/6eafa83184257125b349b84513c8a407e9319e78.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fdec6f5e04c74c5bb321f33548a225c6" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Facebook</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The team had rescued the reptile after residents saw the Coastal Carpet Python near their house.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though Coastal Carpet Pythons aren’t venomous, they can still cause considerable damage to people.</span></p>

Family & Pets

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Woolworths shopper finds python snake in the spice section

<p>A woman shopping at Woolworths in Glenorie says she was looking in the spice aisle and her face was suddenly 20cm away from a three-metre-long python.</p> <p>Speaking to 7NEWS.com.au, the shopper – Helaina Alati - said: “I was browsing and turned to my left and he had come out and his face was about 20cm from mine, just looking at me.”</p> <p>“It was almost like he was asking me to take him outside!</p> <p>“I just happened to be the one that found it.</p> <p>“He must have been there for at least a few hours. He was sort of hidden behind the spices and I didn’t see him at first.</p> <p>As luck would have it, Alati is a former volunteer snake catcher, so she offered to rescue the slithery fellow.</p> <p>“It was super mellow, not aggressive at all. I’m guessing he came down from the ceiling. He was about 10ft (3 metres) long!” she said.</p> <p>“I’m glad I’m the one that found him, most people would have freaked out!” she added.</p> <p>“I told the staff I used to be a volunteer snake catcher so I grabbed my snake bag and relocated him into the bush.”</p> <p>Most shoppers at Woolworths would’ve have been so calm to find a three-metre python in the spice aisle of their local supermarket, but Alati said there was nothing to worry about.</p> <p>“He was so relaxed and non-aggressive,” she said.</p> <p>“Don’t want to demonise these beautiful animals anymore!”</p> <p>Alati bundled the python into a material bag and released the snake safely to the surrounding bushland shortly after.</p> <p>A spokesperson for Woolworths told 7NEWS.com.au the matter was dealt with calmly and safely.</p> <p>“A slippery and rare customer was spotted in the spice aisle of our Glenorie store yesterday morning,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“Once it was sighted, our team members reacted quickly and calmly to cordon off the area for the safety of customers.</p> <p>“A snake catcher removed the slithery customer, who was released safely into bushland shortly after.”</p> <p>It’s still unknown as to how the snake came to be inside the store but it’s believed Woolworths has animal control measures in place and the Glenorie store has done some checks of these measures.</p> <p><em>Photo: 7NEWS.com.au</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Sydney mum’s unbelievable find in lettuce bag

<p><span>A Sydney mum has taken to Facebook to show her unexpected find in a bag of lettuce she claims she purchased at ALDI.</span><br /><br /><span>Lesley Khun warned others on the Mosman Living group to "check packed lettuce carefully!"</span><br /><br /><span>"Last night my son found this baby white headed snake in with the packaged baby cos lettuce he purchased from Aldi," Khun wrote.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840717/cos-lettuce-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ab4ef30453e44af1a0970a35ac96bc3f" /><br /><br /><span>"Make sure you check packed lettuce carefully!"</span><br /><br /><span>When asked by group members what fate the snake had met, Khun revealed that WIRES Wildlife Rescue had come to remove the creature.</span><br /><br /><span>White headed snakes are thankfully not too common in Brisbane, and are also not considered dangerous to humans.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840716/cos-lettuce-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a4b27bb2496549c2a9e151d47466daf3" /><br /><br /><span>"Oh my Lord!" one person wrote on the post.</span><br /><br /><span>Another user commented: "Allens taking Snakes Alive to a whole new meaning."</span></p>

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"Crazy": Terrifying three-metre find clogging up toilet

<p class="p1">A man has had to call in the fire department after a "crazy" find in his toilet.</p> <p class="p1">Crews from Iskandar Puteri Fire Station in Malaysia were called to the bathroom of a house after the man was reportedly bitten on the bottom last month.</p> <p class="p1">The toilet was checked and firefights removed a 3.6-metre python from the toilet bowl.</p> <p class="p1">The size of the serpent was so large that it broke some of the piping, the fire department revealed.</p> <p class="p1">The snake was released safely outside.</p> <p class="p1">On Facebook, the snake’s “scary” bathroom exploits had some people spooked.</p> <p class="p1">“Be careful in the bathroom after this,” one woman wrote.</p> <p class="p1">“Don't forget to close the bathroom door too.”</p> <p class="p1">One man called it “crazy”, while another woman wrote it had her worried about using the bathroom at work.</p> <p class="p1">As for why the snake was slithering through the pipes, some suggested it’s possible the recent hot weather was to blame and the toilet-dwelling serpent was seeking a place to cool down.</p>

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