Slippery snake caught under Christmas tree in Hervey Bay

A suspicious noise among the presents stack at a Hervey Bay aged care centre led to the unexpected discovery of a slippery little guest.

A snake found under a Christmas tree at a Hervey Bay aged care facility.

An unexpected visitor has been caught among the Christmas presents at a Hervey Bay aged care facility.

Drew Godfrey from Hervey Bay Snake Catchers said he received a number of calls through the week, but the “pick of the litter” was the discovery of a keelback under a Christmas tree at the aged care centre.

“It was hiding in among the presents,” he said.

The snake had come to the attention of people at the centre when they heard a noise under the tree.

Searching among the presents wasn’t a problem for Mr Godfrey, who is used to moving stacks of wood, bookcases and other heavy objects to remove the reptiles.

“It was very easy – it was only harmless, no drama.”

Mr Godfrey had also been called out to remove other snakes in the past week, including another keelback that had been attacked and injured by a cat, and a juvenile Eastern brown snake.

“Keelbacks are a communal species that often live in small congregations, so generally speaking, if we catch a keelback for you it’s probably not the only one around.

“However, that’s really not a bad thing as they are no more dangerous than a butterfly.

“They are non-venomous and are the only native Australian animal than can naturally eat cane toads.

“So these little snakes are doing us and our biodiversity a huge favour.”

Hervey Bay Snake Catchers can be contacted on 0476 226 747.