Aussie boy’s snake handling shocks as expert warns of risks
This Aussie boy shocked thousands of viewers after footage of him moving a python went viral, but experts say even non-venomous snakes should never be handled. WATCH THE VIDEO
READING LEVEL: GREEN
An Australian boy’s fearless response after spotting a large snake slithering along a busy footpath has triggered an outpouring of both shock and praise online.
In video footage captured by a passer-by earlier this month, the young child is seen gently and calmly picking up the non-venomous* carpet python before placing it in bushland lining the top of the walking trail in the popular tourist town of Noosa, Queensland.
The boy, who appears to be with his mum and two other kids, doesn’t miss a beat as he grips the snake’s head with his left hand and guides its body with his right.
“Just casually passed by this on my morning walk,” social media user ‘Alycia’ captioned the footage when posting the now viral clip.
“Just another average day in Australia,” she added.
AUSSIE BOY’S SNAKE HANDLING GOES VIRAL
Thousands of locals and people from overseas have pointed to the boy’s confident manoeuvre* as proof that Aussie kids are “truly built (differently)”, with many praising the child’s gentle handling skills.
However, lots of other viewers said that while they were impressed by the boy’s behaviour, he shouldn’t have touched the snake.
“Wonderful action, but not all snakes are as docile*. Be careful!” one commentator cautioned.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SPOT A SNAKE
After watching the video footage, professional snake catcher Summer Woolston told news.com.au that she was “honestly quite impressed” by the child’s handling skills.
“Everybody involved had great intentions and respect towards the snake, which is lovely to see,” she said.
However, she warned that it was illegal for an unlicenced or untrained person to touch a wild snake. She said it was also very dangerous to do so since even non-venomous snakes can bite and constrict* if they feel threatened.
“Snakes in Australia are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, meaning people who do not hold a Government-issued permit cannot touch wild snakes, relocate* or kill wild snakes,” the Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers team member said.
“Thankfully this coastal carpet python had quite a calm demeanour*, and it didn’t react defensively* to being touched, because they can still give quite a nasty bite and constrict,” she added.
Ms Woolston said people who come across snakes should leave the wild animals alone, encourage them to move on from the area with “as little contact as possible”, or call a local snake catcher for help.
SNAKE SEASON BEGINS
Snakes are once again on the move as temperatures warm up around the country, with catchers preparing themselves for a “hectic season”.
“Breeding season has definitely begun, and we are quite busy day and night. We are seeing lots of snake combat and mating behaviours, which is super exciting,” Ms Woolston said.
She urged Aussies to keep their grass cut short and gardens neat so that there were no places for snakes to hide.
“As always, we recommend keeping a tidy garden, mowed lawn, secured chicken coop, clean patio and of course using commonsense when going bushwalking or doing the gardening. Gloves, boots, sleeves, et cetera. Stay safe,” she said.
WATCH THE VIDEO
POLL
GLOSSARY
- non-venomous: an animal that doesn’t sting you with venom or poison when it bites
- manoeuvre: a skilful move
- docile: gentle and easy to control
- constrict: when a snake wraps its body around prey and squeezes it to stop blood flow and cause loss of consciousness
- relocate: move it somewhere else
- demeanour: behaviour and way of presenting to others
- defensively: fighting off a threat
EXTRA READING
Male snakes’ wild ‘wrestling match’
Big-bellied snake goes viral
Snake girl conquers carpet python
QUICK QUIZ
1. Why was it wrong for the boy to pick up the snake and move it off the path?
2. What risks are involved in touching snakes, even if they are non-venomous?
3. What should you do if you come across a snake?
4. How can you stay safe from snakes in the garden?
5. What change in the weather is causing more snake activity?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Was he right?
Do you think the boy did the right thing? Use information from the story and your own ideas to write a detailed and convincing paragraph that answers this question.
Time: Spend at least 20 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Health and Physical Education
2. Extension
Imagine that you are a reporter for Snakes News. Write a news story about the video. Include interviews with other snakes and information about what a snake should do if they spot a human.
Time: Spend at least 30 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English
VCOP ACTIVITY
What happens next?
Imagine the full story turns out to be in three parts and this article is only Part One. Think about what the rest of the story could be and write the next two parts that tell the rest of this story.
Time: allow 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Critical and Creative Thinking