Quick Take
- A snake hiding in a dishwasher sounds random, yet there is a specific behavior that makes enclosed kitchen spaces oddly appealing to green tree snakes. See their natural habitat →
- Most people would back away fast from a snake in their home, yet green tree snakes have a trait that surprises even seasoned Australians who encounter them. Discover their surprising trait →
- Green tree snakes have a defense mechanism that makes biting the least of your worries. Explore their defense mechanism →
- These snakes are far more common in suburban backyards than most Australians realize, with the clues hiding in plain sight. Find them in your backyard →
Loading the dishwasher is rarely a popular chore but this has got to be the best excuse not to do it. The Australian family featured in this clip has found a green tree snake hiding out in their dishwasher of all places! The snake appears to be hiding among the dishes, but luckily an expert was on hand to rescue it from its predicament. This poor little guy was later released into a much more suitable environment!
Where Do Green Tree Snakes Normally Live?
Green tree snakes, or common tree snakes as they are sometimes called (Dendrelaphis punctulatus), are one of the most often seen snakes in backyards and parks in northern and eastern Australia. You may also see it called the Australian tree snake. They seem to prefer gardens which have fountains and ponds surrounded by long grass and shrubs. As you can see in this clip, they sometimes end up in houses!
They are active during the day but at night they look for tree hollows and rock crevices to hide away in. To this tree snake, the inside of a dishwasher may have looked like a sheltered place to hide. The most likely places to spot them are on rocks and fences and outdoor furniture. You may also see them on verandas and pergolas as well as on sheds and garages. As their name suggests, they are very good at climbing and spend most of their time in trees.
Are Green Tree Snakes Dangerous?
Common tree snakes are sometimes spotted near ponds in gardens.
©Ken Griffiths/Shutterstock.com
Green tree snakes are hunters but they are not dangerous to humans. They are a slender snake that can reach several feet in length but have a narrow body. Their diet consists of frogs, geckos, skinks, reptile eggs, and small mammals. These snakes have also been seen feeding on tadpoles and fish. They sniff their prey by probing leaves and loose soil with their small heads. They are very inquisitive snakes with large eyes and have excellent eyesight.
Green tree snakes are considered non-venomous to humans and are not regarded as dangerous. They do have teeth, but they are reluctant to bite and would usually rather slither away than confront a person. If they feel frightened, they sometimes rise up and inflate their throat and body to make themselves look larger. They are also able to produce a foul-smelling substance from their anal glands. Hopefully, the snake didn’t do that anywhere near the dishwasher!
