Aussie driver's terrifying find inside van engine: 'Camping in style'
The unexpected visitor made itself home inside the engine of the vehicle.
An Aussie motorist was shocked to discover a large three-foot snake slithering through the engine of his camper van in an unexpected visit on Monday.
Jonathan Bradshaw, from Samford, northwest of Brisbane, was forced to call a professional snake catcher to help remove the coastal carpet python from underneath the bonnet of his vehicle after it somehow made its way in.
Photos show the non-venomous snake hiding in the engine, wrapped up in a ball with its distinctive mottled pattern on show. Steve Brown, who runs Brisbane North Snake Catchers and Relocation, was seen handling the heavy-bodied python before releasing it from the car's engine.
Carpet pythons can cause harm
Although non-venomous, coastal carpet pythons do have sharp needle-like teeth and can cause lacerations or punctures to humans if bitten, so they must be handled with care. Thankfully, the snake was removed safely and no injuries occurred, to the relief of Jonathan.
"Many thanks for coming around so promptly," he posted on Facebook after Steve shared the pictures. "Cozy though he was, I needed the van".
The unexpected visit amazed reptile lovers who saw the post on social media. "Camping in style," one joked.
Others weren't so convinced with one saying, "One of the reasons why I will never love Australia".
"[It's] full of wild animals especially snakes, damn it. I hate seeing such creatures," they said.
Carpet python most 'common' snake found
Previously, Brandon Wilkinson from Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast told Yahoo News Australia that coastal carpet pythons are "ridiculously common" in and around Queensland homes. Earlier this month, a woman was terrified when she spotted one hiding in her garden.
Meanwhile, a Darwin resident was stunned to see one, about four metres long, hiding on their ceiling.
What to do if you spot a snake
Stay still if it noticed you.
If it's moving, let it go past.
Don't interact with the snake.
Walk past slowly if at a safe distance and if it is safe to do so.
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