A red-bellied black snake entered a family's home in Rossmore, in southwest Sydney, by climbing through a sewerage pipe and into the toilet. The family called snake catcher Daniel May, who said the snake was about 1.5 metres long and appeared to have been badly weakened by its journey. May took the snake into his care until it recovered, and planned to release it. He said snake activity is rising as temperatures warm, with reptiles coming out of winter and seeking mates. He advised families to keep yards clean and pets inside, and to stay calm around snakes.
A red-bellied black snake came up through a toilet at a home in Rossmore, in Sydney's southwest, on Monday. Narellan Snake Catcher Daniel May was called to remove the roughly 1.5-metre snake. May said it had likely travelled through a sewer line before entering the bowl. He said he had never before dealt with a snake entering through a toilet. Rising spring temperatures are bringing snakes out of hibernation, and May urged households to keep yards tidy and to stay calm if a snake is spotted.
A red-bellied black snake entered a family's home in Rossmore, in southwest Sydney, by climbing through a sewerage pipe and into the toilet. The family called snake catcher Daniel May, who said the snake was about 1.5 metres long and appeared to have been badly weakened by its journey. May took the snake into his care until it recovered, and planned to release it. He said snake activity is rising as temperatures warm, with reptiles coming out of winter and seeking mates. He advised families to keep yards clean and pets inside, and to stay calm around snakes.
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Researchers say people who handle wild reptiles could unknowingly spread fungal diseases between animals and places. Fungi such as the cause of snake fungal disease can infect Australian reptiles, causing severe skin problems and sometimes death. The fungi can persist in soil and decaying matter, so contaminated boots, bags and hooks may carry them. Handlers are advised to clean their hands, change gloves, use one bag per animal and disinfect tools and boots between sites.
