A library-goer in Australia had an unexpected encounter while walking along a path outside the library. Initially mistaking a moving object for a garden hose, they soon realized it was a snake and hurried indoors to alert the library staff. Concerned for both the community members and the reptile, they sought assistance from Hodgsons Snakes Rescue and Removal.
“The staff at the library kept watch as it slithered across the road and disappeared under a roller door into a nearby cafe,” shared Hodgsons Snakes Rescue and Removal on Facebook. “The vigilant cafe staff then observed its movements in the back entertaining area before it settled among the garden foliage along a chain link fence, where we found it upon arrival.”
When the rescue team arrived, the snake had once again blended into its surroundings, but its concealment didn’t fool the experts for long. “It took me about 30 seconds, although those keeping an eye on it lost sight of it,” explained Gianni Hodgson of Hodgsons Snakes Rescue and Removal.
Identified as a red-bellied black snake, known for their venomous nature but relatively low risk to humans compared to other Australian species, the snake was safely secured by Hodgson and his team for relocation. “Because he was in the middle of town, we relocated him to an area of bush outside of town near a lake,” Hodgson elaborated.
Subsequently, Hodgson engaged his followers on Facebook, sharing a photo of the hidden snake and inviting them to try and spot it. This interactive approach is part of his effort to educate people on identifying snakes in their vicinity.
In the end, it was a positive outcome — the snake found a new, safer habitat, while also providing an entertaining game of “find the snake” for the humans involved.