Warning after tourist's 'risky' stunt near Aussie river: 'Never do that'
The Canadian man has built up an Aussie audience on social media thanks to his travels around Australia, but his latest move rubbed many people the wrong way.
A Canadian man visiting Australia has managed to upset locals after attempting to grab a "massive snake" during his travels. Despite admitting it's "risky" he pledged to pick it up by its tail sending Aussies into a spin.
Josiah Hein regularly shares his travel updates on social media, often highlighting quirks he loves about Australia. And while he's built up a fan base because of it, his latest stunt rubbed some the wrong way.
Hein was walking along the Brisbane river when he spotted the "humongous" coastal carpet python slithering in the nearby bush beside him. He appeared to lunge for the snake a couple of times, trying to pick it up while another man filmed.
Visitors and locals warned not to ever touch snakes
The man behind the camera urged him to "be ready" in case the reptile took a strike, but thankfully the snake was able to get away. But his actions have been condemned by local experts and residents.
"We don't ever condone anybody interfering with snakes," Stuart McKenzie from Sunshine Coast Catchers told Yahoo News Australia after viewing the clip.
The team, based in Queensland, added "we only suggest people with the appropriate licensing to touch or relocate snakes as there's a high chance the person or the snake could get injured."
"Always admire snakes from a distance," they warned.
Aussies fume over reckless stunt
While the snake in the video is harmless and is not venomous or dangerous, unlike red-bellied black snakes or brown snakes, Aussies were quick to remind Hein to "leave our wildlife alone".
"Dude, no no no. Don’t touch snakes, especially in Australia," one said. "We’re taught from childhood, don’t touch snakes, too many [are] deadly".
"No. 1 rule... don't mess with nature! Why would you even do that?" another hit out in the comments on the video.
"If that were a brown snake, you’d be in for some grief. Lucky it was a python, said a third. While another warned, "never do that in Australia".
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'Crazy influx' of sightings as snake season kicks off
The reckless stunt marks the start of snake season in Australia with Queensland-based catcher and rescuer Courtenay Brown saying there's been a 'crazy influx' of sightings.
The warmer than usual weather during August saw snakes come out of hibernation early. While pythons are often around all year long, especially in Queensland, lately there have been "a lot of red-bellies hanging around" she told Yahoo.
Like Stuart, she urged people not to touch a snake, and to keep their distance. In most cases, they simply wander off on their own, she said.
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