See the Massive Snake That Invaded and Shut Down a Fast Food Drive-Thru

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Written by Sharon Parry

Updated: November 10, 2023

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Carpet python in Australian bush
© Michelle Marks/Shutterstock.com

This incident may have come as a bit of a shock to restaurant goers – or perhaps it is a regular occurrence.  A snake was found hanging out at the drive-thru. In the clip below, we see how it was carefully removed so diners could get back to their burger and fries.

Common Snakes Found in Australia

Australia is not short of snakes so it is hardly surprising that one turned up at this fast food drive-thru. According to the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment, there are around 140 species of land snakes and 32 recorded species of sea snakes.

Among the fascinating snakes found in Australia are the scrub pythons. These are the longest and heaviest snakes in Australia reaching up to 25 feet and over 50 pounds. They feed on rodents, possums, baby kangaroos, and even fruit bats by constricting them to death before swallowing them whole.

Daintree Rainforest

Australia has a range of habitats that are enjoyed by snakes

©iStock.com/AustralianCamera

Then there are the Eastern brown snakes which are venomous. This is one to avoid as it causes more deaths than any other venomous snake in Australia. They can grow to six feet long and are light or dark brown.

All About the Carpet Python

Carpet python on branch

Carpet pythons are native to Australia and go anywhere they can find food.

©iStock.com/madov

The snake in this clip is most likely a carpet python. The carpet python is the most commonly found snake in the Brisbane area and is harmless. The name comes from the fact that they look a bit like a woven carpet and they can be kept as pets. Their scientific name is Morelia spilota and they are found all over Australia. These snakes can grow to 12 feet in length and live for more than 20 years.

They do not spend all their time at drive-thrus! Their preferred habitats range from rainforests through woodlands to grasslands and rocky cliffs. They can live in an arid to temperate climate. These snakes are expert climbers and you will often find them coiled around branches.

You will find that they are most active when it is warm – but as it gets cool, they become sluggish and some brumate if it is particularly cold. There are four different types of carpet pythons which inhabit different areas and are slightly different colors.

Generally regarded as pretty easygoing, these snakes don’t go looking for confrontations with humans but the guys in this clip were right to be cautious. These snakes are not venomous but will bite when startled – and when they do it hurts!

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About the Author

Dr Sharon Parry is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on dogs, animal behavior, and research. Sharon holds a PhD from Leeds University, UK which she earned in 1998 and has been working as a science writer for the last 15 years. A resident of Wales, UK, Sharon loves taking care of her spaniel named Dexter and hiking around coastlines and mountains.

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