Deadly tiger snake found under child's bouncer.

An Australian family received an unwelcome surprise on Christmas night when they discovered a deadly tiger snake hiding under their child’s bouncer. The shocking discovery required immediate action, prompting a late-night call to reptile catcher Mark Pelley, also known as “The Snake Hunter.”

Figure 1: The snake found under baby’s bouncer in Australia

A Shocking Christmas Night

The family in South Morang, located northeast of Melbourne, was celebrating Christmas when they spotted movement under the baby’s toy. The movement turned out to be a tiger snake, one of the world’s deadliest snakes.

Mark Pelley responded to their urgent call just after 11.30 pm. “The first thing I lifted was the child’s baby bouncer, and I found the tiger snake underneath it,” Pelley told Yahoo News Australia.

Pelley remarked on the danger the family narrowly avoided. “The snake could have been there for a lot longer, and it could have been crawling in around the baby’s toys, but they just didn’t notice it. It was a real Christmas Day surprise,” he said, adding a touch of humour.

Figure 2: An Image of Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus). The same species the Australian family found under child’s bouncer

Tiger Snakes: Small but Deadly

Tiger snakes rank as the fifth most venomous snake species in the world. Despite their small size, their venom is highly lethal. “This eastern tiger snake is the fifth most venomous snake in the world, and even though it’s small, it’s still incredibly deadly. They hide in the most unique places inside the home,” Pelley explained.

These snakes have a reputation for holding their ground, which makes encounters even more dangerous. Snake catcher Scott Smith noted, “The cocktail of venom is lethal. [They] can be extremely deadly but like most snakes, they want to just be left alone to do their thing.”

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Surprising Locations for Tiger Snakes

Tiger snakes often find their way into unexpected places in Australian homes. Another tiger snake was recently discovered curled up in a wardrobe in Tasmania. Reptile catcher Scott Smith explained their ability to adapt.

“Many Aussies will never encounter one due to the snake’s impressive ability to hide and adapt to some of the most inhospitable environments in Australia,” Smith said.

Declining Numbers but Persistent Danger

The University of Melbourne’s School of Biomedical Sciences reports a decline in tiger snake numbers due to human modification of their habitats. However, they remain a potent threat. Eastern brown snakes now account for the majority of snakebites in Australia.

Despite this, tiger snakes still cause about 17 per cent of bites. Fortunately, only four deaths have been officially recorded.

Expert Advice on Snake Safety

Experts advise Australians to remain vigilant during warmer months when snakes are more active. Mark Pelley shared insights about safety. “They hide in the most unique places inside the home,” he warned, highlighting the importance of careful inspections.

Snakes often seek shelter indoors for warmth or safety. It is crucial to avoid interfering with them and call professional help if spotted. “They want to just be left alone to do their thing,” Scott Smith reiterated.

A Reminder for Aussie Households

The incident serves as a stark reminder for Australian families to remain cautious. Mark Pelley successfully removed the tiger snake without injury, ensuring the family’s safety. However, not all situations end as well without professional intervention.

The family’s experience underscores the need for vigilance, particularly in homes near snake-prone areas. The discovery of the snake under a child’s toy highlights how easily they can infiltrate everyday spaces.

As Pelley concluded, “It was a real Christmas Day surprise,” but one that could have ended in tragedy.

Conclusion

The deadly tiger snake found under a baby’s bouncer shocked a Melbourne family and highlighted the importance of snake awareness. With Australia home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes, professional help remains essential for safe removals.

Mark Pelley and other reptile experts continue to play a vital role in keeping Australian households safe. Their expertise ensures that families can navigate such dangerous situations with minimal risk.

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