A hospital in Queensland, Australia was forced to call in a snake catcher after a patient brought in a poisonous snake after being bitten.
Hervey Bay Snake Catchers were called to Hervey Bay Hospital on January 20 after a man brought in a reptile in a jar after stepping on it.
Snake hunter Drew Godfrey was told it was a small red-bellied black snake, but upon arrival it turned out to be a small-eyed snake – a far more venomous species.
“They each belong to the identical family of snakes, however the small-eyed snake doesn’t grow as large and is far more venomous,” said Godfrey.
Godfrey quickly removed the snake after showing it to the nurses and released it into its natural habitat.
Despite being extremely venomous, the small-eyed snake poses little threat to humans, Godfrey stressed.
“It’s really extraordinary and the snake only bit him because he can be hurt and scared,” he said.
“It’s unknown if it bites people, it is extremely secretive and shy and is more prone to headbutt or get up than to bite.”
The bite victim is predicted to be fantastic, in accordance with Godfrey.
“Fortunately, he did the correct thing and went to the hospital,” he said.
“With proper first aid and treatment, it’s really hard to die from a snake bite today, so I hope your old buddy is doing well.”