A Poisonous pet Collett’s snake remains on the loose in Maroubra Skate Park

Reptile handlers are yet to catch the elusive snake after it made itself home in the park on Thursday. It is believed to be hiding in the cracks under the concrete. It’s the 19th deadliest snake in the world.

A VENOMOUS Collett’s snake remains at large in Maroubra, after reportedly making its home in the beachside skate park.

The flame-bellied reptile was spotted on Thursday slithering around and eventually escaping underneath the park’s slabs.

The rare and highly poisonous elapid is native to central inland Queensland and not the concrete jungle opposite Maroubra beach.

The Collett’s Snake has orange-red markings.

Reptile Handler Bruce Shillingford from PAWS was unable to locate the animal after it was first sighted on Thursday.

“I discovered quite a few holes that lead underneath the concrete slab,” he said.

“I’ve closed off the holes with bark chips — if the animal comes out of those holes it will knock them out of the way and we’ll know where it is.”

Randwick Council has posted warning tape at the skate park and is leading the bid to catch it.

“(It) is native to central Queensland, leaving staff to believe the snake was a pet that was released into the nearby bushland,” a council spokeswoman said.

“Council workers and a professional snake catcher have been on site at Maroubra Skate park several times since the snake was first sighted ...(and) will visit the site again on Wednesday.”

Australia museum states the Collett snake is secretive and rarely seen, and is mostly active during the day.

Local Simon Sheppard first spotted the snake, capturing footage of it exploring the park. “He hung around for a good ten minutes or so before going back under the stairs,” he said.

Snake handler Sean Cade said the Collett’s was an attractive breed because of its orange belly and swirl patterns, making it popular with reptile keepers.

Sean Cade knows how to handle a snake.

“They’re generally a placid snake and they’re attractive to keepers purely because they look a little bit different,” Mr Cade said.

“But my guess is the snake is not licenced. A licenced keeper doesn’t let them out.”

The snake is listed as rare and its venom is highly toxic. It is currently ranked as the 19th most poisonous snake in the world.

Anyone suspected of being bitten should seek immediate medical assistance.