Nike the snake not ‘out of the woods’ after having 511 ticks removed

A GOLD Coast carpet python, which received national attention when it was found with more than 500 ticks last week, is on the mend. However carers warn he is ‘not out of the woods yet’.

A GOLD Coast carpet python, which received national attention when it was found with more than 500 ticks last week, is on the long road to recovery.

Nike was saved from a certain death by a local Gold Coast Snake Catcher when he was found in a swimming pool covered in ticks. It is understood snake was in the pool trying to drown the ticks.

SNAKE FOUND COVERED IN MORE THAN 500 TICKS

'Nike' the carpet python is recovering after being found with 511 ticks on its skin last week. Picture: Supplied.

The staff at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital removed 511 ticks from Nike, which left him very unwell with anaemia.

Carers say he was also suffering from a nasty infection which may have caused his immobility, allowing the ticks to take advantage of him.

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Staff at the hospital treated him for the infection to help his recovery and chances of being released back to the wild but say he “isn’t out of the woods yet”.

“We are hopeful he will make a full recovery and be released back into the wild in the coming months,” a Currumbin Wildlife Hospital spokesman said.

“Our mission is to treat, rehabilitate and release wildlife back to the area where they were rescued.

“This enables the animal to have a better chance of survival in its natural habitat.”

To aid in his recovery and rehabilitation, Nike is now in the hands of an experienced carer from Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers.

Gold Coast snake catcher Tony Harrison, who was called to remove the animal, says it's the worst infestation he's ever seen. (AAP Image/Tony Harrison)

Nike’s rehabilitation will take a few months and will involve follow-up visits to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to ensure his road to recovery and release stays on track.

“Nike has recently eaten, which is a very positive sign that he is on the mend,” the spokesman said.

“He will shortly be coming in for a recheck at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.”

A carpet python riddled with more than 500 ticks was pulled from a pool on the Gold Coast. PICTURE: Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher