Illegal, rare California King snake caught in Pacific Pines backyard on Gold Coast

FOR THREE years this illegal snake slithered through northern Gold Coast suburbs undetected. But a local snake catcher has finally managed to wrangle the slippery customer.

IT was the one that got away but after three years Tony Harrison finally got his snake.

An exotic and illegal California King Snake eluded the experienced snake catcher several times, so yesterday when he got the call he was ready to strike.

Mr Harrison said he was hosting a reptile show at a Gold Coast school when the job came in.

“We had to pack up quickly and go ... I couldn’t let it get away again,” he said.

The snake, likely bought on the black market and kept as a pet illegally, was first spotted in Pacific Pines.

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Gold Coast snake catcher Tony Harrison caught this Californian King snake after three years. Photo Facebook

Three years later, after multiple reported sightings, it was found in the same suburb, hidden in dirt and rocks in a backyard just doors down from where it was first spotted.

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“I was bloody excited to catch it ... This one is rare, I’d never seen one before,” he said.

“Also because we’d tried so hard — so many trips to Pac Pines — to try get it.”

Mr Harrison said the rare snake was a master of disguise and moved quickly.

“Brooke and I were digging through rocks and dirt beside the property fence line, as the snake was backing away into hiding, before we finally got it,” he said.

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“It was a beautiful, very healthy snake ... But it’s really bad for the environment, and not good for conservation, so Biosecurity will destroy it.

This little snake eluded Tony Harrison for three years. Photo Facebook

“There are many reasons Australia takes this tough stance, it is sad, but it is a protective issue.”

“This species of snake eats other snakes, other reptiles, and competes with native animals for food, there is also the potential for it to spread disease.”

A Department of Agriculture and Fisheries spokesman said it’s the first time this particular species had been seized in Queensland.

“It will be humanely euthanised,” he said.

“The maximum penalty for keeping a banned exotic species is $130,000.

“Prompt action to remove (introduced species) will protect Queensland’s valuable agricultural industries, natural resources and the environment.”