A Christchurch traveller packed more than just their souvenirs on their return home from Bali.
While unpacking, it’s reported that a live snake was slithering around their suitcase.
According to Chris Lynch Media, the snake was spotted this morning at a Mt Pleasant home.
Biosecurity New Zealand’s Wendy McDonald told Lynch that trained handlers were quickly sent to the scene after the call came in.
“It’s a very small live snake that was found wrapped around the toe of a jandal in the suitcase,” she said.
“Preliminary identification by our specialist herpetologist suggests it is a wolf snake, a type of non-venomous boa. The snake will be humanely euthanised.”
McDonald added that it’s not the first time unwanted slithery passengers have snuck through.
On average, one or two snakes are detected at post-border locations every year, though more are usually intercepted before they make it in, like this one.
“These are usually non-venomous and often arrive dead due to cargo treatment.”
“We respond to any alert as quickly as possible, including dispatching trained handlers to detection sites,” McDonald added.
Handlers trained in Australia to work with live snakes under expert supervision, refreshing their training every two years.
Forget snakes on a plane, my new fear is snakes in my suitcase.
