Python Startles Homeowners by Appearing Twice in Australian Toilet
An Australian homeowner recently had a startling experience when not one, but two pythons appeared in his toilet over one week. On October 22, the Hervey Bay Snake Catchers were called to remove the first snake, a coastal carpet python, from a toilet in Maryborough, Queensland.
The snake, curled in the toilet’s S-bend, required careful extraction. The snake catchers had to cut the pipe beneath the house, flushing from one side and poking from the other until the snake emerged.
The company humorously described the encounter on Facebook, sharing that the snake had finally been “annoyed enough to come out.” Their post included several photos, showcasing the lengthy reptile being carefully extracted.
The removal was successful, with no harm caused to the homeowner or the snake, who was safely relocated.
Despite the relief, the homeowner was in for another shock. Just days later, a second coastal carpet python was found in the same toilet, leading to yet another removal.
Second Python Discovery: Same Toilet, New Snake
On October 25, the same homeowner contacted Hervey Bay Snake Catchers for help after finding another coastal carpet python in his toilet. This time, the snake catchers shared images of the olive-green python nestled inside the toilet bowl, highlighting the peculiar sight on social media.
One image showed the snake being held carefully in a yellow cloth, while another captured the snake sizing up its handler.
In a statement, Hervey Bay Snake Catchers assured followers that these nonvenomous pythons are harmless to humans despite their intimidating size. Known for their unique patterns and lengthy bodies, coastal carpet pythons are native to eastern Queensland and can reach up to 9.5 feet.
Their typical habitats include trees, house roofs, and sometimes, as shown here, unexpected locations like toilets.
The snake removal company explained that the first snake was likely a female seeking a place to soak before shedding her skin. The second python, a male, may have entered the toilet following the female’s scent trail, adding a surprising twist to the homeowner’s encounters.
Coastal Carpet Pythons: Common but Unusual House Guests
According to snake handler Drew Godfrey, sightings of coastal carpet pythons in toilets are rare, but not entirely unheard of in eastern Queensland.
“We may have to retrieve a snake from a toilet once or twice a year,” Godfrey shared in an interview with Newsweek. While most of these pythons prefer trees or rooftops, they sometimes venture indoors in search of warmth or, in this case, a potential mate.
The Australian branch of the RSPCA confirms that these pythons are widespread in Queensland and New South Wales, where they often seek out cosy spots for rest. Though intimidating in appearance, these snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans.
Hervey Bay Snake Catchers’ posthumously concluded with, “Not the snake you want to crawl all over you.” Despite the unexpected encounters, the homeowner handled the situation calmly, and the snakes were safely relocated without incident.
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