BREAKING: A Christchurch traveller brought back more than just holiday memories after discovering a live snake in their suitcase following a trip to Bali.
Chris Lynch Media understands the snake was found this morning at a Mt Pleasant home while the traveller was unpacking.
Biosecurity New Zealand’s Manager of Biosecurity Surveillance and Incursion Wendy McDonald told chrislynchmedia.com trained handlers were sent to the Christchurch property after the report.
“It’s a very small live snake that was found wrapped around the toe of a jandal in the suitcase. Preliminary identification by our specialist herpetologist suggests it is a wolf snake, a type of non-venomous boa. The snake will be humanely euthanised.”
“Each year, we detect one or two snakes at post-border locations, with more typically intercepted at the border. These are usually non-venomous and often arrive dead due to cargo treatment.”
“We respond to any alert as quickly as possible, including dispatching trained handlers to detection sites. Our handlers undergo intensive training, including specialist instruction in Australia where they work with live snakes under expert supervision. This training is refreshed every two years.”
