By Karlene Brummer
I have had a resident Diamond Python living at my home for over a decade and I am always in awe whenever I come across it in the garden. I was not so thrilled to see a new visitor slither by my chair whilst I was reading a book in the courtyard last week.
After realising it was a 1m Red Belly Black Snake just centimeters from my legs, I pretty much froze in my spot until one of my inquisitive cats decided it wanted to take a closer look at this funny interloper and I knew I had to intervene.
Getting up very slowly, with heart pounding, I retreated to the house and called the cats – not the most obedient pets in the world – and FINALLY with the lure of some food managed to get them safely inside and shut the door. Creeping outside once more, the snake had gone, most likely under the decking. Crisis averted for now.
The next day I saw it again. This time I just spotted the tail disappearing into a bunch of clivias down where I park my car. A couple of calls to Snake catchers resulted in one coming out to try and remove/relocate it, but the wiley reptile outsmarted us and was not to be found. Day three and there it was again.
Taunting me, lying curled up in a very obvious position near the back stairs. Another call to the Snake Catcher. Another miss. I swear this Red Belly has ESP (Extra Snakey Perception).
So here I am living in a state of heightened anxiety – not knowing where or when it will pop up again. Suffice to say all gardening at my place has been put on pause for the near future!
