Russell Island man’s cyclone damage leads to 20kg python encounter

A homeowner’s delayed roof repair turned into a startling wildlife encounter when two large carpet pythons, weighing a combined 20kg, crashed through the ceiling of his Russell Island property, off the coast of Brisbane.

The dramatic incident highlights the risks of leaving cyclone-damaged homes unrepaired in Australia’s wildlife-rich regions.

According to Yahoo News, the man, in his 80s, was jolted awake by a loud thud in late September.

Upon investigation, he discovered the two snakes locked in combat on his kitchen floor.

The reptiles, believed to have entered through a hole in the roof caused by Category 2 Cyclone Alfred six months ago, showed no signs of backing down.

Despite his best efforts, the homeowner had struggled to secure a tradesperson to fix the minor damage, a delay that had now led to a major disruption.

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Two tussling pythons fell from the ceiling, startling a sleeping man. Source: Yahoo News via Trish Harris

Reptile rescuer Trish Harris was called to the home after a tip-off from emergency services. She found the man was standing outside, well away from the commotion in his kitchen.

Standing just 155cm tall and weighing 56kg, Trish faced the daunting task of removing the massive snakes, one of which she estimated to be over two metres long and thicker than her leg.

She later captured the two snakes fighting on the kitchen floor.

“I came around the corner and two massive snakes were tangled and fighting it out,” she told Yahoo News.

“They didn’t want to play ball. There was no chance in hell I was going to be able to successfully lift him if he decided to wrap around me.

“The floors were very smooth timber, so there was no issue of him getting hurt if I dragged him. So I just grabbed him by the back half and pulled him out.

An aerial view of Russell Island in Queensland.

“But he decided to try and latch onto everything he possibly could – door jams, bags, the rubbish bin, he sent things flying.”

Both snakes were eventually released into nearby bushland, unharmed.

The incident underscores the importance of timely home repairs, particularly in areas prone to wildlife encounters.

Cyclone-damaged homes can create entry points for snakes and other animals, especially during warmer months when snake activity peaks.

Snake season is now also in full swing and typically runs from September to April.

Experts advise leaving snakes alone unless they are inside your home or in immediate danger.

Most snake bites occur when individuals attempt to move or attack the animals.

All native snakes are protected under Australian law, and harming them is an offence.

The story was originally published by Yahoo News Australia.

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