In an unusual incident on a Melbourne motorway, a driver encountered a precarious situation when a venomous snake made its way up her leg. The ordeal began as the woman was cruising down the Monash Freeway at a speed of approximately 80 kilometers per hour (about 50 miles per hour). Suddenly feeling an odd sensation on her foot, she looked down to find a snake, specifically a tiger snake, one of the most lethal species known for its venom, coiling up her leg. This unexpected encounter forced her to make an abrupt stop on the busy highway.
Upon stopping, the frightened driver was spotted by passing motorists who noticed her frantic attempts to flag down help. The Victoria Police were alerted to her unusual behavior and arrived to conduct a welfare check. According to the police, she was “acting hiss-terically” while on the roadside, indicative of the shock and fear she was experiencing from the encounter. The situation quickly escalated, as the need to address the snake inside her car became pressing.
Emergency specialists from Melbourne Snake Control were called in to safely retrieve the snake from the vehicle. The tiger snake, which is indigenous to the coastal regions of Australia and known for its highly toxic bite, posed a significant threat not only to the driver but also potentially to others in the vicinity. Thankfully, the driver managed to fend off the snake long enough to navigate through traffic, park her vehicle safely, and escape from her car. However, her escape came with the sacrifice of leaving behind one of her shoes—a small price for her well-being.
The police later reported that the young woman was taken to a local hospital for a suspected snake bite. Fortunately, Melbourne Snake Control confirmed through a social media update that she was recovering well from the frightening ordeal. As she was treated at the medical facility, the team worked diligently to locate and remove the snake that had caused her such distress.
Witnesses to the scene described a mix of confusion and astonishment as they watched officers carefully extract the snake from the car. Some onlookers even took the opportunity to record the event, capturing this bizarre episode that would not soon be forgotten. Tim Nanninga, a representative from Melbourne Snake Control, shared insights on the retrieval process, stating that the snake was released back into the wild at a location that was “well away from houses, people, and pets.” This step ensured that both the creature and the surrounding human population could remain safe from future encounters.
The entire incident is a stark reminder of the natural wildlife that thrives in Australia, where various species, including the notorious tiger snake, often come into close contact with urban dwellers. Tiger snakes, recognized for their striking patterns of green and yellow scales, are prevalent along Australia’s coastline, and their bites can be fatal without timely medical intervention.
In the aftermath, authorities emphasized the driver’s remarkable composure during a terrifying encounter. Despite being in “a state of shock”, she managed to keep her wits about her, maneuvering her vehicle to safety before exiting. The ongoing dialogue around snake awareness and safety is crucial for all who traverse regions inhabited by these reptiles, especially as seasons change and wildlife becomes more active. This incident stands as an urgent reminder of the unpredictable interplay between nature and human activities, urging individuals to remain vigilant in their surroundings.
