500 ticks put bites on python
A GOLD Coast family were startled to find a carpet python with more than 500 ticks on its body in their backyard pool.
Gold Coast snake catcher Tony Harrison, who was called to remove the animal, says it’s the worst infestation he’s ever seen.
“It was the usual call, ‘it’s in my yard and I’m worried about my dog being eaten’, they had a little poodle. But when I got there it was ‘Jesus!’,” he said.
“I’ve been a snake catcher since 1994 and the most I’ve ever seen before is 20 or 30 ticks on an eastern brown.”
The tick-riddled python had jumped into the Coolangatta pool in an attempt to drown the parasites, he said. It was taken to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for treatment.
“Wildlife live in harmony with parasites and as soon as something is compromised, like they get sick, parasites can get the better of them.”