Python on the loose in Vaucluse

AN ESCAPED crossbreed python is on the loose in Vaucluse. Stunned dog walkers spotted the five-foot long Coastal Carpet Python hybrid over the weekend.

The python spotted by dog walkers at Christison Park, Vaucluse.

AN ESCAPED crossbreed python is on the loose in Vaucluse.

Stunned dog walkers spotted the five-foot long Coastal Carpet Python hybrid slithered across a coastal path at Christison Park on Sunday morning.

Professional reptile wrangler, Sean Cade said he was “99.9 per cent sure” it was a crossbreed and an escaped pet — adding domestic snake escapes were becoming an increasing problem because of lax ownership laws.

He said the reptile is not native to Sydney, but it is not venomous and would not pose a threat to dogs. However, he said it could possibly prey on small kittens.

A Coastal Carpet Python.

Rose Bay dog walker Lee Bradsell has used the lead-free park every morning for seven years and has never seen a snake there.

He said it was “quite a shock” to see the python emerge from the grass before it disappeared back into the undergrowth. He used Google to find out what breed it was and warned other nearby walkers.

“I won’t stop taking my dog off the lead but I would say to just be conscious of where your dog is at all times,” he said.

Mr Cade said the snake does not know where it is and is probably looking for somewhere to bunker down for the winter — as it will die if it is too cold.

He said owners cross breed snakes to create different skin patterns and colours but, like dogs, the hybrids often suffer from health problems.

“This is something which is happening more and more because people are increasingly keeping snakes as pets,” he said. “If you’re over 18, you can get a license online for $30 and there’s not any proper criteria or knowledge needed.

RSPCA member Tini Ivans with a Coastal Carpet Python Severis, which was dumped on the side of the road.

“It’s probably learning how to hunt because it used to being fed — so it will most likely be living off rats. It could also hunt ringtail possums and birds.

“The danger is, if the it travels, it can breed with wild snakes and create wild crossbreeds which can threaten the natural breeds. They can also spread diseases to other reptiles.”

A spokeswoman for Woollahra Council said: “Council doesn’t get involved with runaway pet snakes as they aren’t considered a companion animal (like dogs and cats).

“We would ring NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service who would assist if it was an injured native species, or snake specialists from National Parks and Wildlife.”