Reptile Park keeper bitten by giant python

A SNAKE keeper has had a lucky escape after being bitten by a 53kg reticulated python ominously named “Monster”.

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THE aptly named reticulated python, Monster, has taken a bite out of her trainer’s hand, leaving them with a nasty gash during a routine health check.

Monster from The Australian Reptile Park bit senior reptile keeper Jake Meney yesterday afternoon, but has left the keepers unfazed.

The snake weighs in at a whopping 53kg and is 5.28m long, making him the longest snake at the park.

“Jake is one of our most experienced keepers here at the Park,” head of reptiles spokesman Daniel Rumsey said.

“Despite her name (Monster) is generally quite a placid animal.”

Senior reptile keeper Jake Meney was bitten by Monster the reticulated python.

The puncture wounds on reptile keeper Jake Meney's hand inflicted by Monster the reticulated python.

The keepers are calling the incident a “love bite”, saying the injury is just a hazard of the job.

“Jake and Monster have worked together since Monster was little with Jake building a strong bond with the animal, however this is a reminder that this is a hazard of the job. Just as important as Jake’s well being, we checked over Monster and she is perfectly fine — it was just a little love bite.”

Mr Meney was back in the reptile enclosure right away, unwatered by the bite.

“Monster bit, I pulled, it tore,” Mr Meney said.

“I definitely felt her teeth. It was crazy, I had the longest species of snake hanging off my arm”

Monster the reticulated python at her annual weigh in.

Monster and other reticulated pythons are known as true man-eaters, using their strong jaw and serrated teeth to latch onto prey, and people’s hands.

Fingers are not usually part of Monster’s diet, who ordinarily feasts on goat weighing up to 15kg six times a year.

The Park said Mr Meney is back in the enclosure with Monster and is working on rebuilding their bond.