A “very small live snake” was found at the home of a Christchurch traveller who had just returned home from Bali.
Biosecurity NZ surveillance and incursion manager Wendy McDonald said trained handlers were sent to a Christchurch property after a report of a small snake found in the suitcase of a traveller who had recently returned from Bali.
“A very small live snake was found wrapped around the toe of a jandal in the suitcase.”
Preliminary identification by a herpetologist suggested it was a wolf snake, a type of non-venomous boa. The snake would be euthanised.
McDonald said one or two snakes were found at post-border locations annually, with more typically intercepted at the border.
“These are usually non-venomous and often arrive dead, due to cargo treatment.”
Reports were responded to “as quickly as possible”, she said.
“Our handlers undergo intensive training, including specialist instruction in Australia where they work with live snakes under expert supervision. This training is refreshed every two years.”
