A Tasmanian tiger snake has created global interest after being diagnosed with a rare spinal condition.

Dubbed “Rocky”, the snake has a genetic condition called Charcot’s Disease, which causes marble-sized lumps to form along its spine.

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Bruce Press from Reptile Rescue Tasmania said the snake was discovered at a property named The Lair, on the state’s east coast.

Bruce Press with ‘Rocky’. Photo: Reptile Rescue Tasmania.

Mr Press said he could not believe his eyes when he pulled the snake from a hole with a hook.

“It’s really unique: it’s got about 28 marble-sized lumps on the back but it can still freely move,” he said.

Mr Press said the 60-centimetre female snake was healthy but would not live a long life.

“It’s not in pain but after some years it can be a bit degenerative and the spine will fuse together and the best thing to do is euthanase the snake,” he said.

“We’re not allowed to let the snake breed, so the only thing I can do humanely for the snake is keep it in captivity and feed it smaller mice that it can digest with its grotesquely bent spine, and let it live out its years until its spine starts to fuse.”

It is believed to be the 16th snake in the world to be diagnosed with the condition.

Since posting pictures on Reptile Rescue Tasmania’s Facebook page, Mr Press said he had received calls from snake enthusiasts around the world.

“I’ve had 278 phone calls from yesterday about it, it’s just phenomenal. And to see the snake — it’s really unique,” he said.

“The first two calls in the early hours were from America, then calls from England, New Guinea,

“When I woke up this morning there were 278 missed calls on my phone and almost a flat battery.

“It’s just all day long, constant media attention with this snake.”

Mr Press said he would keep a journal on Rocky as researchers might find it useful.

Rocky’s x-rays revealed the condition. Photo: Reptile Rescue Tasmania