A very small live snake was discovered in Christchurch after a traveler returned home from Bali, officials confirmed.
The reptile was found inside the traveler’s suitcase, wrapped around the toe of a jandal. Biosecurity New Zealand quickly sent trained handlers to the property.
Experts believe the snake was a wolf snake, a non-venomous species sometimes mistaken for a small boa. Even though it was harmless, the snake will be euthanised, as snakes are not allowed in New Zealand.
According to Biosecurity NZ, one or two snakes are found in the country each year, often in luggage or cargo. Most are already dead due to treatment processes at the border. Still, officials respond quickly to every report to keep New Zealand free of unwanted animals.
Handlers who deal with these rare cases receive special training, including time in Australia where they practice handling live snakes under expert supervision. Their skills are refreshed every two years to ensure safety.
New Zealand has no native snake species, so keeping them out is very important for the country’s environment.
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