Python almost ends up as dinner after hiding in barbecue grill
A Queensland family has had a festive fright as they looked to welcome in 2018 with a New Year's barbecue.
Sunshine Coast 24/7 snake catcher Stuart McKenzie was called to a Twin Waters address on Monday after the homeowner's party preparations were put on hold thanks to a slithery intruder nestled inside their barbecue.
"I was called out after a family was preparing for a barbecue," McKenzie told Yahoo7.
"The father went to clean the barbecue as it hadn't been cleaned in few weeks and when he opened it up he saw a considerably large snake through the grate."
McKenzie arrived at the property with the family a little shaken thanks to the unlikely guest.
"It was a bit of a surprise for them but they were relatively calm even though they weren't very comfortable with it being there."
Footage of the removal shows McKenzie lifting the grate before safely removing the "well behaved" carpet python and placing it inside a bag.
The snake catcher offered his words of wisdom for other families who encounter snakes during the holiday period.
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"Don't do anything silly and show them the respect they deserve. If you see a snake, keep your distance and don't take matters into your own hands," he said.
"Call a snake catcher and they can remove them safely."
