**BREAKING: Venomous Snake Found in Washing Machine in Australian Home**
A dramatic scene unfolded in a quiet Australian neighborhood yesterday evening when a family discovered a highly venomous snake lurking in their washing machine. The snake, identified as a brown king cobra (Bungarus fasciatus) – although more likely to be a highly venomous Australian species, likely a tiger snake or a brown snake, responded to reports that the family had found a snake in their home.
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, claimed they were doing their laundry when they noticed something unusual in the washing machine. Upon closer inspection, they were shocked to see a snake coiled up among their clothes.
“I was just loading the washing machine when I saw something moving in the drum,” said the homeowner. “At first, I thought it was just a big lump of clothing, but then I saw it move again and I freaked out.”
The family quickly contacted local animal control services, who dispatched a trained snake catcher to the scene. The snake catcher, who has been in the business for over a decade, carefully extracted the snake from the washing machine and transported it to a safe location.
“We get all sorts of calls, but this one was definitely a first,” said the snake catcher. “I’ve heard of snakes getting into cars or sheds, but a washing machine? That’s a new one.”
The snake, estimated to be around 1.5 meters in length, was identified as a highly venomous species. While exact identification requires further examination by a herpetologist, the snake’s appearance and behavior suggest it could be a tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) or an eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis), both of which are highly venomous and native to Australia.
The family was understandably shaken by the experience, but grateful that no one was hurt. “We’re just lucky that no one was doing laundry when the snake was still in the machine,” said the homeowner. “It could have been a lot worse.”
The snake catcher praised the family’s quick thinking and caution, saying that it was only a matter of time before the snake made its presence known. “These snakes are experts at hiding and can go undetected for a long time,” he said. “It’s a good reminder to always be aware of your surroundings and to report any unusual sightings to the authorities.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, especially in areas where venomous snakes are common. As the family can attest, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
**UPDATE**
The snake was relocated to a safe area away from residential zones. The family has been advised to take precautions to snake-proof their home and to be on the lookout for any other unwanted visitors.
The snake catcher has urged residents in the area to be vigilant and to report any snake sightings to the authorities immediately. “It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to snakes,” he said. “We’re lucky to have such a great team of snake catchers and animal control officers in our community.”
