Queensland snake catcher finds two-metre python under toddler's cot
A Gold Coast family has received the fright of their lives after finding a large snake beneath their toddler's cot.
The parents had been putting their three-year-old boy to bed for an afternoon nap on Tuesday when they spotted the coastal carpet python's tail poking out from under the cot.
Aaron Yashin from Yashin's Wildlife Relocation responded to the call of the distressed parents, identifying the snake as a coastal carpet python.
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The normally docile carpet python struck the snake catcher as he tried to remove it from the child's room. Supplied
"They were pretty freaked out as anyone would be to find a snake under their children's bed," Mr Yashin said.
"It's fortunate it's not a poisonous snake but given its size, for a small child it could do significant damage. They normally have long teeth."
Carpet pythons have sharp teeth that can cause severe bleeding and tendon damage. Nine
Mr Yashin said while unlikely, the snake could have found a way to strangle the young boy, had it slithered around his neck.
He added the normally docile pythons can still pose a threat to humans.
When trying to grab the python from under the cot, it lashed out and bit him on the hand.
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The snake was found under the toddler's cot. Supplied
"They're normally pretty docile but in this case it was agitated and I did get bitten. It's normally out of a fear reaction, a defence mechanism rather than aggression.
"I've been bitten by multiple and have been bitten several times. It causes a lot of bleeding and in a child could be much worse.
"A large carpet python bite could require surgery for a person, ranging from stitches to tendon damage."
Mr Yashin was bitten while trying to remove the snake. Supplied
Mr Yashin removed the snake, relocating it to nearby wetlands.
He said an increasing number of snakes had been detected in Queensland homes, with heavy rainfall also bringing snakes indoors.
"It is a very busy time of the year and we've just gotten into snake season really," Mr Yashin said.
He advised families and residents to keep their yards tidy, and to avoid keeping large objects that could provide shelter for snakes
He added birdseed and food left lying around could attract mice and subsequently snakes.
"It's mainly just trying not to leave things lying around your property that snakes can hide under," Mr Yashin said.
"If you see one, call the snake catcher or someone who can remove it safely.
"They don't often bite but if they do it can be serious."
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