A pet cat died after fighting off a venomous snake to protect its owner's young children.
Shorthair cat Arthur was playing in the garden with the kids at the family's home in Queensland, Australia, when the eastern brown snake slithered over.
Animal Emergency Service said in a Facebook post the pet quickly pounced, killing the reptile before it could strike.
However, the snake - which carries the second most toxic venom in the world - managed to bite Arthur during the struggle.
Australian Geographic describes the eastern brown snake as being extremely agile, as well as highly aggressive.
While even a small amount of venom can cause rapid paralysis in a matter of seconds.
"Unfortunately, in the process, Arthur received a fatal envenomation snake bite," the post continued.
The cat collapsed immediately after the fight before regaining consciousness, but his family was unaware that he had been bitten.
The next day he collapsed again and was taken to a vet who said he wouldn't recover from his injuries.
"His family, understandably devastated, remember him fondly and are forever grateful he saved the children’s lives," said the emergency service.
"Arthur was always getting into mischief; he had previously visited us been in accidents and was very much loved by our team," the post added.
Commenters were quick to praise Arthur, with one describing his as a "brave little man".
"My heart breaks for you and your family," they added.
The eastern brown snake is considered Australia's most dangerous snake species.
It is native to eastern and central Australia and southern New Guinea, and sometimes called the common brown snake.
Its venom is second only to the inland taipan.
