Do you ever have days when it feels like the universe is just throwing something new your way to give you a scare?

Well, that's exactly how one Sydney woman felt recently when she received a shock of a lifetime after inspecting something inside her shoe.

After a homeowner in Sydney’s Southwest made a heart-stopping discovery inside her sneaker last week, a snake catcher is now warning Aussies everywhere to keep an eye out for the slithery creatures – particularly when it comes to their shoes.

A rescuer from Reptile Relocation Sydney took a photo as he was removing the reptile, advising people not to store their shoes on the ground.

The Red-bellied black snake is shy by nature. Credit: Australian Museum

‘It's not Cinderella it's ssssssinderella slipping on a new shoe, and it looks like it's a snug fit! Always good to keep your shoes stored on a rack, off the ground, to reduce the risk of this happening again,’ the snake catcher shared in a post on their official social media page.

Dozens replied to the post, with many appearing unsettled by the attached photo.

‘Well, this is a bit unsettling,’ one stated. They added that while they’re not afraid of snakes or spiders in general, they still wanted to invest in ‘snake and spider-proof clothing’.

‘Yeah, no, that shoe would’ve landed in the paddock,’ one declared.

Another agreed: ‘Those shoes have got to go.’

Others tried to make light of the situation.

‘Very wise choosing a new shoe. Some of the shoes on my porch would have anaesthetised him,’ one shared.

‘I can see a new brand of running shoes after this...Maybe, Adidasssss, Sssssskechersssss, Asssssics...’ one quipped.

Another responded: ‘Wouldn’t have happened if the shoes were Nikessssssss.’

Many felt unsettled by the photo. Credit: Reptile Relocation Sydney/Facebook

The red-bellied black snake found inside the shoe was released in nearby bushland away from houses.

While venomous snakes can climb, licensed snake handler Cory Kerewaro believes keeping your shoes up high can help reduce the likelihood of an unwanted encounter.

‘The majority of the time, they’ll be low to the ground, so storing them on a shoe rack will reduce the risk massively,’ he said.

Additionally, when temperatures rise, snakes would try and find somewhere to escape the heat. Be it inside a Coke can, under a barbecue, or behind jars in a pantry. In one instance, a northern brown snake, which is a highly venomous and fast snake, was found inside a wine fridge in a store. You can read more details about that story here.

Cool tiles used on floor patios are another favourite spot for these cold-blooded animals, along with inside air conditioning units and fuse boxes.

Mr Kerewaro shared images of the wild places he’s found snakes hiding amid the heat.

Snakes love to hide from the heat. Credit: Reptile Relocation Sydney/Facebook

‘Nowhere is off limits for them, that’s for sure. Anywhere that’s pretty tight and dark, they’ll associate with safety, and it helps keep them at a regular temperature,’ Mr Kerewaro shared.

Active red-bellied black snakes maintain a body temperature of 28 to 31 degrees on sunny days, according to the Australian Museum.

Aside from using the shade, it's believed the species can control its temperature by adjusting its body posture and redirecting blood flow to different parts of the body.

Snakes, much like all wildlife, are protected across Australia. They are (often) misunderstood creatures and usually only attack humans when threatened with aggression. Red-bellied black snakes, in particular, are shy by nature and go to lengths to hide from humans if they come across us in the wild.

Although these snakes find ways to slither into our homes, there are times when they’re taken inside against their will. In another report, a family in Queensland received an unexpected gift from their pet cat after it caught and carried a venomous snake and slipped it in between a pile of gifts. Thankfully, neither the cat nor the snake was harmed. Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney snake catcher warned Australians to check their shoes after finding a 1.2 metre-long red-bellied black snake inside a woman's sneaker.
• Many people were unsettled by the image posted by the rescuer from Reptile Relocation Sydney.
• Licensed snake handler Cory Kerewaro suggests storing shoes on a shoe rack to reduce the risk of encountering snakes.
• Snakes are protected across Australia and usually only attack humans when threatened with aggression.

Have you ever had a wild encounter with a snake? Tell us about it in the comments below!

 

[Keswickian]

The red-bellied black is a beautiful snake but, nevertheless, I'd be concerned about how the snake got access to the shoe in the first place. I'm guessing this one was outside somewhere - always a risk of unwanted visitors.

 

[Groovy]

I’ve never had an encounter with one………I’d have a heart attack

 

[VickieCheryl]

Do you ever have days when it feels like the universe is just throwing something new your way to give you a scare?

Well, that's exactly how one Sydney woman felt recently when she received a shock of a lifetime after inspecting something inside her shoe.

After a homeowner in Sydney’s Southwest made a heart-stopping discovery inside her sneaker last week, a snake catcher is now warning Aussies everywhere to keep an eye out for the slithery creatures – particularly when it comes to their shoes.

A rescuer from Reptile Relocation Sydney took a photo as he was removing the reptile, advising people not to store their shoes on the ground.

View attachment 17456

The Red-bellied black snake is shy by nature. Credit: Australian Museum

‘It's not Cinderella it's ssssssinderella slipping on a new shoe, and it looks like it's a snug fit! Always good to keep your shoes stored on a rack, off the ground, to reduce the risk of this happening again,’ the snake catcher shared in a post on their official social media page.

Dozens replied to the post, with many appearing unsettled by the attached photo.

‘Well, this is a bit unsettling,’ one stated. They added that while they’re not afraid of snakes or spiders in general, they still wanted to invest in ‘snake and spider-proof clothing’.

‘Yeah, no, that shoe would’ve landed in the paddock,’ one declared.

Another agreed: ‘Those shoes have got to go.’

Others tried to make light of the situation.

‘Very wise choosing a new shoe. Some of the shoes on my porch would have anaesthetised him,’ one shared.

‘I can see a new brand of running shoes after this...Maybe, Adidasssss, Sssssskechersssss, Asssssics...’ one quipped.

Another responded: ‘Wouldn’t have happened if the shoes were Nikessssssss.’

View attachment 17457

Many felt unsettled by the photo. Credit: Reptile Relocation Sydney/Facebook

The red-bellied black snake found inside the shoe was released in nearby bushland away from houses.

While venomous snakes can climb, licensed snake handler Cory Kerewaro believes keeping your shoes up high can help reduce the likelihood of an unwanted encounter.

‘The majority of the time, they’ll be low to the ground, so storing them on a shoe rack will reduce the risk massively,’ he said.

Additionally, when temperatures rise, snakes would try and find somewhere to escape the heat. Be it inside a Coke can, under a barbecue, or behind jars in a pantry. In one instance, a northern brown snake, which is a highly venomous and fast snake, was found inside a wine fridge in a store. You can read more details about that story here.

Cool tiles used on floor patios are another favourite spot for these cold-blooded animals, along with inside air conditioning units and fuse boxes.

Mr Kerewaro shared images of the wild places he’s found snakes hiding amid the heat.

View attachment 17458

Snakes love to hide from the heat. Credit: Reptile Relocation Sydney/Facebook

‘Nowhere is off limits for them, that’s for sure. Anywhere that’s pretty tight and dark, they’ll associate with safety, and it helps keep them at a regular temperature,’ Mr Kerewaro shared.

Active red-bellied black snakes maintain a body temperature of 28 to 31 degrees on sunny days, according to the Australian Museum.

Aside from using the shade, it's believed the species can control its temperature by adjusting its body posture and redirecting blood flow to different parts of the body.

Snakes, much like all wildlife, are protected across Australia. They are (often) misunderstood creatures and usually only attack humans when threatened with aggression. Red-bellied black snakes, in particular, are shy by nature and go to lengths to hide from humans if they come across us in the wild.

Although these snakes find ways to slither into our homes, there are times when they’re taken inside against their will. In another report, a family in Queensland received an unexpected gift from their pet cat after it caught and carried a venomous snake and slipped it in between a pile of gifts. Thankfully, neither the cat nor the snake was harmed. Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney snake catcher warned Australians to check their shoes after finding a 1.2 metre-long red-bellied black snake inside a woman's sneaker.
• Many people were unsettled by the image posted by the rescuer from Reptile Relocation Sydney.
• Licensed snake handler Cory Kerewaro suggests storing shoes on a shoe rack to reduce the risk of encountering snakes.
• Snakes are protected across Australia and usually only attack humans when threatened with aggression.

Have you ever had a wild encounter with a snake? Tell us about it in the comments below!

 

[VickieCheryl]

I met one on the local bike track . I was walking with my daughters dog. It was sunning itself on the track . I stopped held onto the dog tightly. And the red belly just slithered off

 

[Dennis]

Do you ever have days when it feels like the universe is just throwing something new your way to give you a scare?

Well, that's exactly how one Sydney woman felt recently when she received a shock of a lifetime after inspecting something inside her shoe.

After a homeowner in Sydney’s Southwest made a heart-stopping discovery inside her sneaker last week, a snake catcher is now warning Aussies everywhere to keep an eye out for the slithery creatures – particularly when it comes to their shoes.

A rescuer from Reptile Relocation Sydney took a photo as he was removing the reptile, advising people not to store their shoes on the ground.

View attachment 17456

The Red-bellied black snake is shy by nature. Credit: Australian Museum

‘It's not Cinderella it's ssssssinderella slipping on a new shoe, and it looks like it's a snug fit! Always good to keep your shoes stored on a rack, off the ground, to reduce the risk of this happening again,’ the snake catcher shared in a post on their official social media page.

Dozens replied to the post, with many appearing unsettled by the attached photo.

‘Well, this is a bit unsettling,’ one stated. They added that while they’re not afraid of snakes or spiders in general, they still wanted to invest in ‘snake and spider-proof clothing’.

‘Yeah, no, that shoe would’ve landed in the paddock,’ one declared.

Another agreed: ‘Those shoes have got to go.’

Others tried to make light of the situation.

‘Very wise choosing a new shoe. Some of the shoes on my porch would have anaesthetised him,’ one shared.

‘I can see a new brand of running shoes after this...Maybe, Adidasssss, Sssssskechersssss, Asssssics...’ one quipped.

Another responded: ‘Wouldn’t have happened if the shoes were Nikessssssss.’

View attachment 17457

Many felt unsettled by the photo. Credit: Reptile Relocation Sydney/Facebook

The red-bellied black snake found inside the shoe was released in nearby bushland away from houses.

While venomous snakes can climb, licensed snake handler Cory Kerewaro believes keeping your shoes up high can help reduce the likelihood of an unwanted encounter.

‘The majority of the time, they’ll be low to the ground, so storing them on a shoe rack will reduce the risk massively,’ he said.

Additionally, when temperatures rise, snakes would try and find somewhere to escape the heat. Be it inside a Coke can, under a barbecue, or behind jars in a pantry. In one instance, a northern brown snake, which is a highly venomous and fast snake, was found inside a wine fridge in a store. You can read more details about that story here.

Cool tiles used on floor patios are another favourite spot for these cold-blooded animals, along with inside air conditioning units and fuse boxes.

Mr Kerewaro shared images of the wild places he’s found snakes hiding amid the heat.

View attachment 17458

Snakes love to hide from the heat. Credit: Reptile Relocation Sydney/Facebook

‘Nowhere is off limits for them, that’s for sure. Anywhere that’s pretty tight and dark, they’ll associate with safety, and it helps keep them at a regular temperature,’ Mr Kerewaro shared.

Active red-bellied black snakes maintain a body temperature of 28 to 31 degrees on sunny days, according to the Australian Museum.

Aside from using the shade, it's believed the species can control its temperature by adjusting its body posture and redirecting blood flow to different parts of the body.

Snakes, much like all wildlife, are protected across Australia. They are (often) misunderstood creatures and usually only attack humans when threatened with aggression. Red-bellied black snakes, in particular, are shy by nature and go to lengths to hide from humans if they come across us in the wild.

Although these snakes find ways to slither into our homes, there are times when they’re taken inside against their will. In another report, a family in Queensland received an unexpected gift from their pet cat after it caught and carried a venomous snake and slipped it in between a pile of gifts. Thankfully, neither the cat nor the snake was harmed. Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney snake catcher warned Australians to check their shoes after finding a 1.2 metre-long red-bellied black snake inside a woman's sneaker.
• Many people were unsettled by the image posted by the rescuer from Reptile Relocation Sydney.
• Licensed snake handler Cory Kerewaro suggests storing shoes on a shoe rack to reduce the risk of encountering snakes.
• Snakes are protected across Australia and usually only attack humans when threatened with aggression.

Have you ever had a wild encounter with a snake? Tell us about it in the comments below!

 

[Dennis]

Afte leaving Jerusalem just before it became Israel we were transported to a tented camp in Egypt and as all our beds had been left behind and we were sleeping on stretchers the first thing before dressing was to give our boots a good shaking to make sure no scorpions had parked there for the night.

 

[I'm Mal]

Do you ever have days when it feels like the universe is just throwing something new your way to give you a scare?

Well, that's exactly how one Sydney woman felt recently when she received a shock of a lifetime after inspecting something inside her shoe.

After a homeowner in Sydney’s Southwest made a heart-stopping discovery inside her sneaker last week, a snake catcher is now warning Aussies everywhere to keep an eye out for the slithery creatures – particularly when it comes to their shoes.

A rescuer from Reptile Relocation Sydney took a photo as he was removing the reptile, advising people not to store their shoes on the ground.

View attachment 17456

The Red-bellied black snake is shy by nature. Credit: Australian Museum

‘It's not Cinderella it's ssssssinderella slipping on a new shoe, and it looks like it's a snug fit! Always good to keep your shoes stored on a rack, off the ground, to reduce the risk of this happening again,’ the snake catcher shared in a post on their official social media page.

Dozens replied to the post, with many appearing unsettled by the attached photo.

‘Well, this is a bit unsettling,’ one stated. They added that while they’re not afraid of snakes or spiders in general, they still wanted to invest in ‘snake and spider-proof clothing’.

‘Yeah, no, that shoe would’ve landed in the paddock,’ one declared.

Another agreed: ‘Those shoes have got to go.’

Others tried to make light of the situation.

‘Very wise choosing a new shoe. Some of the shoes on my porch would have anaesthetised him,’ one shared.

‘I can see a new brand of running shoes after this...Maybe, Adidasssss, Sssssskechersssss, Asssssics...’ one quipped.

Another responded: ‘Wouldn’t have happened if the shoes were Nikessssssss.’

View attachment 17457

Many felt unsettled by the photo. Credit: Reptile Relocation Sydney/Facebook

The red-bellied black snake found inside the shoe was released in nearby bushland away from houses.

While venomous snakes can climb, licensed snake handler Cory Kerewaro believes keeping your shoes up high can help reduce the likelihood of an unwanted encounter.

‘The majority of the time, they’ll be low to the ground, so storing them on a shoe rack will reduce the risk massively,’ he said.

Additionally, when temperatures rise, snakes would try and find somewhere to escape the heat. Be it inside a Coke can, under a barbecue, or behind jars in a pantry. In one instance, a northern brown snake, which is a highly venomous and fast snake, was found inside a wine fridge in a store. You can read more details about that story here.

Cool tiles used on floor patios are another favourite spot for these cold-blooded animals, along with inside air conditioning units and fuse boxes.

Mr Kerewaro shared images of the wild places he’s found snakes hiding amid the heat.

View attachment 17458

Snakes love to hide from the heat. Credit: Reptile Relocation Sydney/Facebook

‘Nowhere is off limits for them, that’s for sure. Anywhere that’s pretty tight and dark, they’ll associate with safety, and it helps keep them at a regular temperature,’ Mr Kerewaro shared.

Active red-bellied black snakes maintain a body temperature of 28 to 31 degrees on sunny days, according to the Australian Museum.

Aside from using the shade, it's believed the species can control its temperature by adjusting its body posture and redirecting blood flow to different parts of the body.

Snakes, much like all wildlife, are protected across Australia. They are (often) misunderstood creatures and usually only attack humans when threatened with aggression. Red-bellied black snakes, in particular, are shy by nature and go to lengths to hide from humans if they come across us in the wild.

Although these snakes find ways to slither into our homes, there are times when they’re taken inside against their will. In another report, a family in Queensland received an unexpected gift from their pet cat after it caught and carried a venomous snake and slipped it in between a pile of gifts. Thankfully, neither the cat nor the snake was harmed. Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney snake catcher warned Australians to check their shoes after finding a 1.2 metre-long red-bellied black snake inside a woman's sneaker.
• Many people were unsettled by the image posted by the rescuer from Reptile Relocation Sydney.
• Licensed snake handler Cory Kerewaro suggests storing shoes on a shoe rack to reduce the risk of encountering snakes.
• Snakes are protected across Australia and usually only attack humans when threatened with aggression.

Have you ever had a wild encounter with a snake? Tell us about it in the comments below!

I have encountered numerous snakes as a result of my work. The vast majority of snakes will go to a great deal of effort to get out of your way. If however they feel threatened or cornered, they will first attempt to intimidate. If that fails to enable the snake to make a quick get away, it will attack and strike but only as a last resort. That is why it is best not to try to deal with a snake yourself unless you really know what you are doing. Snakes do not attack for fun. Their bite is for catching and killing food, not for warfare. Like any predator, if a snake uses its weaponry for attack/defense, it runs the risk of injury and/or infection which compromises its ability to hunt and could lead to starvation. In cases like our subject matter for discussion, the snake would have considered the shoe to be a favourable tight, safe, dark confined space to hide, much like it would find in its natural habitat. It would have been startled when found and gone into panic mode which may have resulted in a degree of aggression.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I always shake my shoes first if they have been outside.

I would think that's common sense ! I do it checking for spiders 🕷

 

[Gsr]

Growing up in the sticks snakes were a common sight. We were used to seeing snakes on an almost daily basis on warmer days. I’m not sure if they were a protected species back then but if they were seen around the houses they were disposed of as it was considered too big a risk to the kids who spent all day outside in those days. And we had outside toilets which was a favourite hiding place for snakes so that also posed a risk to us kids. We used to see huge goannas, carpet snakes, lizards all the time walking to school, which was about a three mile walk. We made friends with a blue tongue lizard who lived in a log we passed on the way to school, it came out of the log and watched us as we were passing almost every morning and sometimes in the afternoons for many years. We weren’t scared of it and it didn’t seem scared of us either.

 

[hdhensel]

I haven't had any snakes but have had a few cane toads, spiders, scorpions, crickets and lizards. I can assure you that their agitated wriggles are somewhat disconcerting when your foot makes contact. The only snake stories are when my geological "mates" decide to put a large red-bellied black under my car seat and at my feet, and then all watch for my reaction from the hotel balcony. Another time, a seemingly "dead" tiger snake that was being transported back to uni, came to life as the passenger side door was opened. An interesting story from a bushman farmer up at the Cape entailed a large python that had squeezed in through the bedroom window and wrapped itself around the farmers arm and proceeded to squeeze the life out of it. A definitely unique wake-up call.