Just when you thought Australia couldn’t get any wilder, the nation’s snakes have decided to take their talents to new heights (literally). A recent video of a snake expertly leaping off a rooftop has sent shivers down the spine of many locals and tourists alike, with some joking they will never leave the house again. That’s right; it’s not just kangaroos and koalas hopping around Down Under, our slithering friends are now taking to the skies and making their presence known. What’s next, sharks with frickin’ laser beams attached to their heads?
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The snake in the video first appeared on the roof’s edge, acting like it was about to slip and slide down several metres or so. But then it pulled off something truly spectacular – it made its body into a slinky and launched itself like a spring toy. It flew through the air like Evil Knievel on a crotch rocket, landing well away from the house it had launched from before making its way into the bush like a boss.
Councillor Mark Booth of Moreton Bay Regional Council spoke for many when he commented, “Well I could have easily gone the rest of my life not knowing they can do that…”
However, it’s not new information to snake catchers such as Liza Van Gelder, who used the video to warn again of the dangers, saying ‘hatchlings are coming out’. Ms Van Gelder also posted the clip, under the more restrained headline, ‘Here is an interesting video for everyone to watch what snakes can do’.
Ms Van Gelder, who is based in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, explained that ‘the snake may have been trying to seek shade, or to get away to hide.’ They don’t like to be seen much. Birds sometimes try to attack them, so it could have been trying to escape from a bird,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.
She also addressed the question on everyone’s minds, “how did it get up on the roof in the first place?” Van Gelder revealed that snakes could climb, and she’s seen eastern browns, which are highly venomous, climb onto roofs, window sills and other things.”
“Everyone reckons eastern browns don’t climb, but they actually utilise their body to move side to side and climb up things,” she said.
Councillor Mark Booth of Moreton Bay Regional Council spoke for many when he commented, “Well I could have easily gone the rest of my life not knowing they can do that…”
Despite the impressive leap, Van Gelder believes the snake in the video is not venomous and is likely a common tree snake. With the rising number of reptile sightings, residents are urged to be cautious and to call a professional if they spot a snake on their property. So, next time you’re on your roof enjoying the sun, keep an eye out for unexpected visitors.
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