Hidden amidst the earthy tones of a coal mining pit in Australia, a small, scaly creature found itself in a dire situation. About nine feet below ground level, it slithered through the gray dirt, its shiny bluish-black skin blending seamlessly with its surroundings. This creature was a blue-bellied black snake, a species known to inhabit various Australian landscapes, from rivers to wetlands to forests.
However, this particular snake was a long way from its usual habitat of logs and grasses. When concerned passersby spotted the snake, they reached out to local snake catchers for assistance, but their efforts proved futile. Desperate for help, they contacted WIRES Wildlife Rescue. Soon, an experienced WIRES volunteer named Jacob embarked on a two-hour journey from his home, determined to rescue the stranded serpent.
Jacob puzzled over the snake’s presence in the mining pit, entertaining various theories.
“Perhaps the snake simply took a wrong turn and ended up in the pit while on the hunt for food,” Jacob pondered. “But without more information, it’s hard to say for certain.”
Using an extender pole, Jacob carefully extracted the snake from the mineshaft. Dehydrated after its ordeal underground, the snake eagerly drank the water Jacob offered. As he observed the snake quench its thirst, Jacob felt a sense of relief wash over him.
“It was a huge weight off my shoulders,” Jacob remarked.
After ensuring the snake had rehydrated sufficiently, Jacob transported it to the nearby bushland and set it free.
Released back into its natural habitat, the snake swiftly disappeared into the verdant wilderness, reclaiming its place in the untamed landscape.