Heart-stopping footage of an eastern brown snake slithering centimetres away from a surfer has highlighted the “exact thing” Aussies should do if they ever find themselves in the same situation. Snakes often hide in plain sight at the beach while searching for food, but one “curious” snake approached a surfer recently on the Sunshine Coast.
Corey Munn was setting up his surfboard when he noticed the snake cruising along on the ground by his feet.
The split-second decision of staying rooted to the ground and not moving was one that Summer from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers has commended.
“The incredible video literally showcases everything that we try to educate,” she told Yahoo News. “In that exact moment when you’re that close to a snake, to the point where you can’t slowly step away, the only option is to stand still, because any movement is a threat to them.
“If he had moved, the snake would have potentially become defensive… It’s not worth the risk.”
Corey said it was a “cool” encounter, and the snake even gave him a “lick on the ankle as it cruised by”.
“Really reiterating how gentle and calm they can be when treated with kindness and respect,” he said.
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Snake catcher urges Aussies not to ‘freak out’ around snakes
After the video was shared online, Aussies also praised the surfer, but admitted they weren’t sure their nerves would hold if they were centimetres away from one of the world’s most venomous snakes.
“See, Corey, and I differ here. If this were my video, you would see a visible patch of pee,” one man joked. Others shared their own close encounters with snakes, explaining they too stayed still — but struggled.
The snake slithered over Corey’s foot. Source:
“I was gardening on my knees when I sensed something behind me. I turned to look over my shoulder and saw an eastern brown. And I was cornered by it! I stayed as still as I could, it moved on,” one woman said.
“When it comes to people who have a fear of snakes, it’s often taught as a child… Parents are trying to keep their kids safe. But if we teach respect and knowledge, rather than fear and freaking out, it’s a much safer practice.
Snakes often found at Aussie beaches
Despite common belief, snakes often visit beaches as they are a good location for sourcing food while moving undetected, most of the time.
A western brown snake was spotted moving through the sand at Spinifex North Beach in Perth, within metres of oblivious sunbathers, last year.
Snake catcher Sarah Mailey also recently rushed out of Hastings Point on the northern NSW coastline after beachgoers attempted to interact with a snake there, making it very defensive.
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