In an unusual occurrence in Australia, a man experienced the unexpected sight of a coastal carpet python residing in his toilet, not once but twice within a week. The incident unfolded in the coastal town of Maryborough, Queensland, where Hervey Bay Snake Catchers received a call on October 22 for snake removal services. Upon arrival, the snake relocation team discovered the python lodged in the S-bend of the plumbing. They humorously relayed that the removal process required cutting a pipe under the house to extract the snake effectively. The professionals joked that the snake, perhaps annoyed by the disruption, decided to emerge voluntarily, allowing the catchers to successfully capture and remove it from the toilet.
However, the episode didn’t end there. Just a few days later, another coastal carpet python turned up in the same toilet. On October 25, Hervey Bay Snake Catchers shared news of this repeat visitor on Facebook, further emphasizing the uniqueness of the situation. The post featured images of the second snake nestled in the toilet bowl, along with visuals of the snake being handled by one of the catchers. They lightheartedly cautioned that this was “not the snake you want to crawl all over you,” cleverly capturing the surprise and humor surrounding the two encounters without instilling fear.
The coastal carpet python, which is nonvenomous, posed no real threat to the homeowner. Representatives from Hervey Bay Snake Catchers explained that the homeowner was taken aback by the series of events, but thankfully, there was no imminent danger or panic felt during the encounters. In a statement made to PEOPLE, Drew Godfrey, one of the snake handlers, shed light on the reasons behind these unexpected visits. He noted that the first snake was likely a female looking to soak her skin prior to shedding, while the second, a male, had followed the scent trail she left behind.
Drew emphasized that retrievals of snakes from toilets, while certainly unusual, do not happen frequently; encountering a snake in a bathroom occurs maybe once or twice a year for the catchers. He reassured the public that despite their intimidating appearance, coastal carpet pythons are harmless to humans, which might have helped alleviate concerns for the startled homeowner during the unexpected encounters.
As a species native to the eastern regions of Queensland, coastal carpet pythons are typically found lounging in trees and on rooftops, though they can often be seen on the ground as well. The Australian branch of RSPCA describes them as one of the largest subspecies within the Morelia genus, capable of growing to lengths between 2.7 to 3.0 meters, equating to approximately 8.9 to 9.5 feet. Their distinct coloring usually comprises olive-brown and tan patterns, which likely contributed to their stealthy advent into the home’s bathroom.
This peculiar incident serves as a lighthearted reminder of the coexistence of humans and wildlife in Australia. The repeated encounter with the coastal carpet python not only highlights the species’ adaptability but also reflects the unique nature of living in areas where such reptiles thrive. While many may find snakes to be intimidating or fearsome creatures, stories like this showcase the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife, particularly nonvenomous species that play crucial roles in local ecosystems. The humor and resilience in these situations, underscored by the snake catchers’ expertise, resonate positively with the community, offering assurance that help is readily available for managing such wildlife interactions calmly.
