Family startled after snake found under child’s potty

A red-bellied black snaked has surprised a family at Raby after making an unusual discovery of it hiding under a child’s potty in the bathroom.

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A Raby family was given a fright when a red-bellied black snake hid under a child’s potty in the family’s bathroom.

One of the children alerted her parents she’d seen a snake in the house on Sunday night, but an extensive search turned up no sign of their slithering visitor.

The next day, however, the parents spotted the snake entering the bathroom where it hid from sight under a pink plastic potty.

The snake found refuge under a child’s potty.

Australian Snake Catchers’ Sean Cade helped remove the 4m reptile from the family home.

“The snake got in through a door which had been left open,” Mr Cade said.

“It gave the family a bit of a scare but we got him out without too much bother.”

Mr Cade said there had been an increase in snake movements during the hot summer.

“Lately there are a lot more snakes out there; with the hot weather they are looking for somewhere cool to go,” he said.

Sean Cade removes the snake from the house.

“We’re probably getting between eight and 10 calls a day from people to come out.

“The most common we’re seeing are red-bellied black snakes and eastern browns.

Mr Cade said anyone who saw either snake should try to keep an eye on it and not approach it.

“Don’t let pets or kids near it and call a professional; we’ll come out and safely remove the snake,” he said.

“People have to remember snakes are a protected species and it is illegal to kill them. We can come and remove them for you.

“Snakes will look for an exit first before trying to defend themselves and bite anyone.”