Snake undergoes surgery after life-and-death battle with fox
A carpet python has undergone surgery at a Gold Coast wildlife hospital after narrowing beating a fox in an epic battle to the death.
Pets and Wildlife
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A snake that won a spectacular fight to the death with a fox in northern NSW has had successful surgery at a Gold Coast wildlife hospital.
The carpet python ambushed the fox at Terragon near Tweed Heads on Tuesday, only to be bitten through the head.
It managed to constrict the fox to death but was still trapped in the fox’s jaws.
Tweed snake catcher Sarah Mailey, of I’ll Catch It Snake Relocations, was able to prise the python free and took it to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital where it underwent surgery on Wednesday.
Head vet Dr Michael Pyne said the snake, which was dubbed Mr Beagle by staff, had three puncture wounds to the top of its head as well as a laceration.
“X-rays, fortunately, revealed no damage to the bone,” he said.
“Today’s procedure involved cleaning and exploring the wounds, ensuring there was no underlying internal damage and suturing the wounds.
“Mr Beagle responded well to treatment and our veterinary team were able to clean and successfully suture all of the puncture wounds and the laceration.
“We’re hopeful Mr Beagle will make a full recovery, and we’re grateful to the public who alerted Sarah Mailey to the snake so it could be brought in to us and given treatment.
“Currumbin Wildlife Hospital exists to treat, rehabilitate and release sick and injured wildlife and we’re grateful to the public who support us in this mission.”