This beautiful python may have been accidentally struck by a lawnmower, but a wildlife hospital team is working to improve his chances

The organisation shared the video as a timely reminder that injured snakes deserve our attention when they’re hurt as much as cuddly wildlife.

Have you ever thought about bathing a python?

There are some things that might not sound appealing if you’re snake-squeamish, but are essential to helping wildlife that come into harm’s way.

The team at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has shared an incredible video of treatment being given to a carpet python which came into their care this month.

The video was shared by the organisation on Friday, marking World Snake Day.

Dr Bree Talbot is one of the team members shown in the video, removing dead skin from around a traumatic wound.

She said they believe the snake, which came to them through a wildlife carer after being found injured in Billinudgel, may have been injured by a lawnmower or whipper snipper.

The team at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has been caring for this python, suspected of being the victim of a lawnmower in the Billinudgel region.

“The snake is currently still in care with us,” she said.

“A wildlife carer brought it in and they think it might have been done by a lawnmower … but we’re not quite sure; it’s hard to tell with a lot of injuries with snakes.

“It’s such an extensive wound.”

She said they believed the snake had sustained the injury some time ago.

Sadly, snakes heal very slowly during winter, the python’s treatment will be ongoing and its prognosis is not yet certain.

Dr Talbot said it was common to see snakes with these sorts of injuries, although this was a more extensive wound than many.

“The length of the wound, I probably haven’t seen one that long,” she said.

She said this snake was getting plenty of attention, with dead skin being removed every few days and warm baths to help that process along.

His eyes have also been affected by his condition, she said.

Dr Talbot said realistically, there was still a 60 per cent change the python may have to be euthanased.

But he has been receiving the best care to improve his changes.

“Snakes get sick really slowly and they heal really slowly,” she said.

“Generally in winter they’ll be curling up … (and it) decreases their metabolism.

“That makes healing even slower.”

She said this meant it was all the more vital for people who find injured snakes to get them to help as soon as possible.

“If we can get them in hospital as soon as possible … we have a better chance versus if they wait a couple of days,” she said.

She said the hospital had been busy with slithery patients of late.

“We’ve had so many snakes in over the past month, month and a half,” she said.

This included five or six snakes just last week.

“One of our biggest parts of our hospital, apart from looking after the animals, is educating the public on … what can happen to animal,” Dr Talbot said.

“I just want people to be aware these guys are still around.”

If you find an injured snake and you’re unsure what it is, don’t handle it yourself; contact your local wildlife care group or Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.

>> WIRES Northern Rivers wildlife rescue: 1300 094 737

>> Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers: 02 6628 1866

>> Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers: 02 6672 4789