Snake undergoes surgery after life-and-death battle with fox

A carpet python has undergone surgery at a Gold Coast wildlife hospital after narrowing beating a fox in an epic battle to the death.

A snake that won a spectacular fight to the death with a fox in northern NSW has had successful surgery at a Gold Coast wildlife hospital.

The carpet python ambushed the fox at Terragon near Tweed Heads on Tuesday, only to be bitten through the head.

It managed to constrict the fox to death but was still trapped in the fox’s jaws.

The snake is now in the care of wildlife veterinarians. Picture: Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

Tweed snake catcher Sarah Mailey, of I’ll Catch It Snake Relocations, was able to prise the python free and took it to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital where it underwent surgery on Wednesday.

Head vet Dr Michael Pyne said the snake, which was dubbed Mr Beagle by staff, had three puncture wounds to the top of its head as well as a laceration.

An X-ray shows the snake’s injuries. Picture: Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

“X-rays, fortunately, revealed no damage to the bone,” he said.

“Today’s procedure involved cleaning and exploring the wounds, ensuring there was no underlying internal damage and suturing the wounds.

“Mr Beagle responded well to treatment and our veterinary team were able to clean and successfully suture all of the puncture wounds and the laceration.

The python has undergone surgery. Picture: Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

“We’re hopeful Mr Beagle will make a full recovery, and we’re grateful to the public who alerted Sarah Mailey to the snake so it could be brought in to us and given treatment.

“Currumbin Wildlife Hospital exists to treat, rehabilitate and release sick and injured wildlife and we’re grateful to the public who support us in this mission.”

The fox came off second best in the epic struggle. Picture: I'll Catch It Snake Catchers

The snake did not escape unscathed. Picture: I'll Catch It Snake Catchers

Originally published as Snake undergoes surgery after life-and-death battle with fox