Screenshot via Facebook/ Sunshine Coast takes Catches 24/7
Footage of a “huge” snake being rescued at sea has shocked snake catchers who can’t figure out how the reptile managed to get so far out.
A Surprising Sight
Location where the python was found swimming. Screenshot via Facebook/ Sunshine Coast takes Catches 24/7
Snake catcher Brandon Gifford described the discovery as “crazy” after a woman traveling on a boat near Bribie Island saw the carpet python swimming in open water.
Struggling to Stay Afloat
Screenshot via Facebook/ Sunshine Coast takes Catches 24/7
The carpet python was barely able to keep its head above the water when it was spotted by the boat.
A Daring Rescue
Screenshot via Facebook/ Sunshine Coast takes Catches 24/7
The woman managed to steer the boat close enough to the reptile and “scoop” it out using a large net.
Safe Return to Shore
Python Image via Depositphotos.
Holding the snake overboard, a man on the boat drove them to shore, ensuring the python’s safety.
Reactions from Snake Experts
Ball Python (Python regius) wrapped on a limb. Image via Depositphotos.
“Holy heck,” Gifford said excitedly online. “We just got it [the video] from Amy, she encountered a snake out at sea.”
Not a Sea Snake
Image via Depositphotos.
Gifford clarified that it wasn’t a sea snake but a land snake that had somehow gotten washed adrift.
Theories on How It Got There
Python lying in the sun on the grass. Python Image via Depositphotos.
Snake catchers are puzzled, with theories ranging from the snake being washed out by waves to it falling off a cliff or being carried by currents.
Snakes in Unusual Places
Carpet Python. Morelia spilota variegata image via Depositphotos
Snakes are often found in swimming pools, attempting to cool down or find food sources like frogs.
Limited Swimming Abilities
Python Image via Depositphotos.
Although they can swim, land snakes are unable to do it for long periods and can drown if they can’t escape.
Sea Snakes vs. Land Snakes
Python lying in the sun on the grass. Python Image via Depositphotos.
Sea snakes have much stronger swimming abilities compared to land snakes and can even swim backward.
The Snake’s Struggle
Python Image via Depositphotos.
It’s unusual to find a land snake in the ocean, making Gifford assume the snake was struggling when Amy found it.
A Fortunate Rescue
Ball Python (Python regius) wrapped on a limb. Image via Depositphotos.
The snake was lucky to have been found by Amy, as it was likely struggling to stay afloat.
The Importance of Awareness
Python Image via Depositphotos.
This incident highlights the importance of being aware of wildlife even in unexpected places like the ocean.
Encouraging Responsible Behavior
Python lying in the sun on the grass. Python Image via Depositphotos.
Snake catchers urge people to report any unusual wildlife sightings and to act responsibly, as Amy did.
What to Do If You Find a Snake
Python Image via Depositphotos.
If you encounter a snake in a precarious situation, contact local wildlife rescue services for assistance.
Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.
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