Advertisement

Tiger snake’s high-wire act at Tasmanian farm a social media sensation

Farmer Matt said after he shot the video, the snake "continued on his merry way".

Farmer Matt said after he shot the video, the snake "continued on his merry way". Photo: Facebook

A tiger snake’s turn as a tightrope walker on a wire fence at a Tasmanian vineyard has caused a stir on Facebook, with a reptile expert confirming the deadly creatures “are good climbers”.

The deadly snake’s high-wire manoeuvres were caught on camera at the Bangor Vineyard Shed near Dunalley and posted on their Facebook page on Tuesday.

The snake can be seen slithering delicately as it tries to keep its balance as it moves along the wire of the fence at the winery, in Tasmania’s south-east.

Midway on its journey, the snake almost comes a cropper as it attempts to transfer to the top wire, steadying itself before continuing.

Natalie Rivers from Reptile Rescue Incorporated said she was surprised to see the snake’s skills.

“My first thought was what a beautiful and clever tiger snake,” she said.

“They are very good climbers, although I’ve got to admit I’ve never seen one travel across the top of a wire like that.”

Ms Rivers speculated on what may have prompted the antics.

“They don’t have the best eyesight so it could have been trying to get a different perspective on things,” she said. “Other than that, just curiosity or perhaps following a scent.

“They do often climb over fences and you can see them going along the top of wooden paling fence lines.”

Tiger snake

The good news is Tasmania only has three species of land snakes. The bad news is they are all venomous. Photo: Parks and Wildlife Service

Ms Rivers said the reptile centre had been receiving many calls about tiger snakes from around Tasmania.

“Our hotline is pretty flat out, we get calls for assistance with snakes on a very regular basis, it could be between six and 60 calls a day,” she said.

“We certainly get a lot of people wanting them to be relocated, some just want them moved a bit further away from the house or out of the house.”

On the Facebook page, Matt Dunbabin from Bangor Vineyard Shed explained his farm staff “see them quite often … and it is wonderful to have them around”.

“But I’ve never seen one climbing anything, let alone along the top of a wire fence.

“It was definitely a fascinating thing to see – what great poise and balance. After I took the video he continued on his merry way, and I guess he climbed back down to the ground when he’d had enough up there,” Mr Dunbabin wrote.

“Oh, and for those a bit concerned about having to share their next glass of wine, or wedding, with him — don’t worry, this is right down the other end of the farm.”

The video has been shared more than 18,000 times and attracted more than 3000 comments.

“Snake number 1 – I bet you can’t slither along the top wire of that fence. Snake number 2 – Hold my Pinot,” joked Callan Jones.

Alanah Gurney said “we can relate to this snake”.

“Like, he’s just awkwardly wobbling through life trying to act cool, but really he’s hanging on for dear life.”

Wayne Gaffney saw parallels to serpent’s slippery shenanigans with current events.

“For some reason, it reminds me of what I’m seeing in the media in regards to all levels of politics,” he posted.

Tasmania only has three species of land snakes: the tiger, the lowland copperhead and the white-lipped snake. All are venomous.

There have been no recorded deaths in Tasmania from snakebites for several decades.

-ABC

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.