When an English man rang the Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES) hotline concerned about a tick infested python on Australia Day, it began a true blue rescue.

The native Australian Coastal Carpet Python snake had a number of engorged ticks on its head – and eventually ended up in the care of the Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES). But not until it had involved an international array of WIRES volunteers.

WIRES Northern Rivers reptile co-oordinator Martin Fitzgerald said the call was answered by a South African, Marion, and then relayed to an English lass, Jodie, who sought advice from a Canadian, Steve. 

Martin, who is Irish, then got involved and coordinated the rescue and asked Gus (who is Argentinian) to pick it up. The snake was then delivered to an “Aussie sheila” Artemis, then to another Aussie, Julie, who delivered the snake to Martin.

“Julie delivered it to me in Clunes and first thing tomorrow morning, it will be delivered to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for the Scottish vet, Lewis to look at,” Martin said.

“The snake not only ticks on head, but dozens on its body – but they hadn’t yet engorged.

“We removed the ticks we were able to get to, but the vet will decide whether to give it to give the snake medication to relieve the remainder of the burden.

“Usually, a couple of paralysis ticks are not a problem on any native animals, but if there is an infestation, it can be a sign of the animal is undernourished. Most animals groom the ticks, except when they are sick.

“A snake will usually climb into water and it takes a couple of days for the drown.

“Often snakes will have a couple round still because it needs to come up for air.

“The message is that a couple of ticks is not a problem, but if you see a significant amount of engorged ticks, it needs to be checked out.”

Martin said the python is getting ready to shed his skin soon.

“That’s when he will naturally rid himself of the ticks,” he said. “So, we will we check his blood and see if there are no underlying condition to make him vulnerable, and if all things are well, he will be released.”

Martin said snakes have a homing instinct (like homing pigeons do), so when one gets accidentally transported to a new location, it will try to get home.

“A python can be inadvertently picked up and moved about in cars,” Martin said.

“On Australia Day, another man from New Zealand picked up a fridge in Ballina and found a python in it ended that in Kyogle.

“We’ll need to get it back to Ballina, otherwise it will try to make its way back and could get injured crossing roads.”

Martin said it was important to ring WIRES early if you are not sure about an animal’s behaviour.

“It could be sick – but it’s not unusual for a python to sit still for a couple of days if it has had a meal. We can monitor them and make sure they are ok.”

If you find a native animal in trouble, call the WIRES 24-hour rescue hotline on 66 281 898.

If you are keen to make a difference for the wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES. Visit http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.

WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.