Pet owners urged to secure enclosures as snakes look for food

Pet owners in snake-infested areas are being put on notice, after a large python was spotted with an unusually big lump.

Snake catchers are urging pet owners in reptile-prone areas to secure their animals’ enclosures, after two possums were spotted becoming a python’s breakfast.

The warning from Snake Catchers Brisbane and Gold Coast comes as Australia enters its colder months, prompting the next stage of snake behaviour.

“With the hatchling season moving behind us and the juveniles spreading out and thinning out, we move into the next cycle of the snake season,” it posted to its Facebook page.

“The cooler weather is on the way and this time of year pythons are taking large food items to keep the body fat on to help them through the cooler months.”

The reptile experts added those who had small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and mice, should ensure their pets’ enclosures are “rodent proof” to help prevent “snake versus pet encounters”.

A photo of a large python, about 2m long, accompanied the post – and it was sporting a substantial lump halfway down its body.

It turns out the non-venomous snake, which was found in the front yard of a Brisbane home, had just feasted on a meal of two brushtail possums.

Snakes are looking for big meals ahead of the colder winter months. Picture: Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast/Facebook

While the warning served as a good reminder for pet owners, many viewers couldn’t get past the snake vs possum encounter.

One woman who has had a python regularly visiting her home for the last five years, said she held concerns for her chickens.

“I would absolutely sh*t myself if I found this slithery friend in my backyard,” she wrote.

“We have a python in our backyard, but it’s no way this fat … I find its snake skin every year … Only a matter of time before it goes for my chooks.”

“Bloody big bugger from where I’m sitting!” another woman said.

A third wrote: “Thank goodness [brumation – when snakes are less active over winter] time is soonish.”

And another man joked having a python visit would be a great way to “solve the possum problem” at his house.

The large python was spotted with an unusually big lump. Picture: Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold CoastSnake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast/Facebook

Anyone who sees a snake in their yard are urged to not panic and to back away to a safe distance that allows the reptile to move away.

“It is important that you never try to kill the snake,” the Queensland Department of Environment and Science said on its website.

“Not only is it illegal to kill a native animal, but it places you at a higher risk of being bitten if you force the snake to defend itself.”

Those living in snake-infested areas are encouraged to close internal doors in the house, block gaps underneath internal doors with rolled up towels and to place chairs and boxes under open windows to help snakes escape.

“If there is a chance that a snake could find its way into your home you should have the number of a commercial snake catcher on hand,” the department said.