An Australian woman was given an unpleasant shock when she discovered a large venomous snake had coiled its way around her Christmas tree.
The one-metre long tiger snake, which can kill a human with its bite, entered a house in Melbourne through an open door and hid itself among the festive decorations.
The homeowner Cheryl discovered the reptile on her tree, and promptly shut the living room door to confine it after taking a photograph.
Professional snake-catcher Barry Goldsmith was called to the property, and confirmed he had no trouble in snaring the reptile.
“It’s one of the more different ones, but we find them in all sorts of places - ugg boots, washing machines, dog kennels, cat boxes, toilets,” Mr Goldsmith told BBC News. “Tiger snakes are very good climbers.”
"She didn't panic, she just took a photo and sent it to me, and 20 minutes later I had the little bugger in a bag."
The snake, which is part of a protected species in Australia, was then released back in to the wild. Mr Goldsmith said snakes which enter homes should be left alone, and people should not try to kill them.
