In an unexpected turn of events, a bustling boutique homewares store in Moffat Beach, Queensland, was thrust into an impromptu 'lockdown' after a startling discovery that left staff and customers in disbelief. The cause of the commotion? A venomous and potentially deadly eastern brown snake had decided to make the store its playground.


The incident, which could easily be mistaken for a scene from a wildlife documentary, unfolded at Rust, a popular homewares store known for its tranquil shopping experience. However, tranquility was quickly replaced by alarm when the slithery shopper was spotted weaving through the aisles.


A video that captured the incident, shared by Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers, showed the 'gorgeous' reptile navigating its way around the store's offerings. The store was promptly evacuated, with everyone inside, including the staff, instructed to wait outside while a professional snake handler was called in to manage the situation.


Chris Williams, owner of Urban Reptile Removal and a seasoned snake handler, spoke to Yahoo News Australia about the gravity of the situation. 'Eastern brown snakes are the second most venomous snake in the world, and it’s the species that's responsible for most deaths in Australia,' he explained. The tension was palpable as Williams, filmed by an onlooker, anticipated the snake's reaction: 'He's probably going to shoot out of there — I'd imagine he'd be very scared.'

True to Williams' prediction, the snake made a swift exit from its hiding spot behind a cabinet. Known for their defensive nature when agitated, the eastern brown snake required careful handling. With expertise and precision, the snake catcher, Dan, managed to secure the snake with a hook and safely place it in a bag.

While Williams is no stranger to encounters with eastern brown snakes, he admitted that finding one in such a busy retail environment was 'so crazy.' He remarked on the beauty of the snake and noted that these creatures are particularly active at this time.


The incident at Rust is part of a broader trend, with Williams and other professionals experiencing an influx of call-outs to homes and businesses across Sydney, especially in rapidly developing areas like Marsden Park. The transformation of farmland into densely packed residential zones has brought humans and snakes into closer contact, increasing the likelihood of such encounters.

The dangers of attempting to handle venomous snakes cannot be overstated. Most snake bite incidents occur when individuals try to kill or capture snakes without proper training. Australian Reptile Park’s Billy Collett has emphasized the risks involved, stating that 'about 60 per cent of [snake bite deaths] result from incidents with brown snakes.' He advises against any untrained intervention and recommends immediate first aid, even if a bite is not apparent.

Eastern brown snakes may exhibit aggression when defending themselves, but this behavior also makes them more predictable for professionals to catch. Once captured, these native reptiles are released back into the wild, adhering to NSW's protective regulations and territorial considerations.

This harrowing experience serves as a reminder of Australia's unique and sometimes dangerous wildlife. It also underscores the importance of leaving wildlife handling to the experts. If you're fascinated by Australia's weird and wonderful environment and want to stay informed about similar stories, consider subscribing to our new newsletter for the week's best tales from Down Under.