Tick snake, Nike, released back into wild after stint at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

A snake found in a Gold Coast pool trying to drown more than 500 ticks has been released back into the wild.

A SNAKE found in a Gold Coast pool trying to drown more than 500 ticks has been released back into the wild.

Dubbed Nike, the carpet python received national attention due to his staggering tick burden — 511 of the blood sucking creatures.

Nike was picked up by Tony Harrison from Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher on January 10 after sharing his experience to his Facebook page.

The snake was taken to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, where the ticks were removed.

It left Nike with anaemia.

Staff at the hospital said the likely ticks attached to him due to an infection which had affected his mobility.

After more than a month in care, Nike began to eat normally and returned to his expected body weight.

He was showing all normal behaviours, according to staff.

Last year the wildlife hospital admitted more than 11,000 sick and injured animals into its care.