Python rescued on International Reptile Awareness Day in recovery

International Reptile Awareness Day this week saw plenty of action of the slithery sort, which ensured that one python in particular felt the love.

Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital in Sydney treated an adult diamond python after it was found injured on the side of the road.

The concerned resident who spotted the injured python called wildlife rescue service WIRES, which transported the patient to hospital.

Vet Dr Ingrid Brookshaw examined the python, taking several X-rays of its more than one-metre-long body to check for fractures*.

“We focused specifically on the head because of significant swelling, doing close up X-rays,” said Dr Brookshaw. “Luckily it went really well. We were able to get nice straight views and didn’t see any displaced bones* or fractures and all his teeth are intact*. There were no signs of a fracture or major puncture wounds*. It’s a really good outcome.”

The diamond python has been kept in for observation until it is well enough to be released back into the wild.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said the wildlife case was a timely reminder that we could all do our part to look out for reptiles, especially during the spring breeding season*, when they were more active.

She said we could help protect reptiles by slowing down on roads and keeping watch over household pets when they were outdoors.

If you come across a snake or other reptile, it’s important to stay away from it and let an adult know. If the animal appears distressed or injured, the adult can call a local wildlife organisation like WIRES to guide them on the best course of action.

FACTS ABOUT DIAMOND PYTHONS
While many people are scared of snakes, pythons play an important part in Australia’s ecosystem and can be helpful in maintaining pest populations, thanks to their appetite for rats and mice.

Diamond pythons are non-venomous* and can reach lengths of two to three metres. They are found in coastal regions of NSW and typically live in large bushland areas, including national parks.

As the weather warms up and spring breeding season takes place, diamond snakes and other reptiles can become more active as they search for food, look for mates and nest.

Cold-blooded reptiles often bask in the sun to raise their body temperature during the warmer weather of spring. Sadly, sunbaking on roads leads to injury and sometimes death.

Observed every year on 21 October, International Reptile Awareness Day aims to educate people about the importance of all reptiles, including snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodiles, and the vital roles they play in ecosystems around the globe. It is a day to encourage people to learn more about these unique animals and support conservation* efforts to protect their habitats* and populations.

POLL

GLOSSARY

• fractures: broken bones
• displaced bones: when a broken bone moves out of place
• intact: together, in one piece
• puncture wounds: cuts made when a sharp object goes through the skin and into the tissue underneath
• breeding season: the time of year when snakes breed or mate, usually from spring until the end of summer
• non-venomous: not poisonous
• conservation: seeking to preserve or look after an animal species
• habitats: places where animal species live

EXTRA READING
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QUICK QUIZ
1. How long do diamond pythons grow?
2. What part of NSW can they be found?
3. What is the purpose of International Reptile Awareness Day?
4. What do diamond pythons like to eat?
5. What should you do if you see an injured snake?

LISTEN TO THIS STORY

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Snakes can be great!
Create a poster or script/storyboard for an advertisement using the slogan “Snakes can be great!” The purpose of your poster is to help people understand the really interesting and good things about snakes. Don’t forget to think about or use your research skills to find out about how they can be helpful to humans.

Time: allow at least 40 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science, Visual Communication Design

2. Extension
Can you use your research skills to find a really interesting reptile that you have never heard of before? Use the information that you have found to write a Kids News story about why this reptile is so amazing!

Time: allow at least 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science

VCOP ACTIVITY
I spy nouns
Nouns are places, names (of people and objects), and time (months or days of the week).

How many nouns can you find in the article?

Can you sort them into places, names and time?

Pick three nouns and add an adjective (describing word) to the nouns.