‘She beloved to be within the water’

Weird But True

By News.com.au

Published
Sep. 6, 2023, 2:19 p.m. ET

A person filmed taking his pet snake browsing on the Gold Coast of Australia is below investigation by wildlife authorities as considerations emerge for the reptile’s welfare.

Surfer Higor Fiuza went viral this week after footage of him and his pet carpet python browsing at Rainbow Bay was shared on-line.

Earlier this week, Fiuza instructed the ABC his 3-year-old carpet python Shiva had surfed at the very least ten occasions and “was a natural.”

“She is such an amazing snake,” Fiuza stated.

“I always took her to the beach, and she loved to be in the water swimming, so one day I decided to take her out for a surf, and she loved it.”

“Usually, when she doesn’t like something, she starts hissing, but she doesn’t hiss [in the water]. She is always chill.”

However, not all agree with the browsing show.

Tim Hudson, from Hudson Snake Catching Gold Coast and Hinterland, instructed 7 News he was involved for the snake’s “welfare.”

“Snakes are ectotherms, so obviously, that can cause the snake a lot of stress, being out in that cold, salty water,” he instructed the broadcaster.

“Snakes are very fragile in their environment and how they interact with their environment. Having them out in the cold, salty surf would definitely cause that animal a considerable amount of stress.”

Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science instructed information.com.au it has launched an investigation into the clips, although it has not but decided whether or not any legal guidelines have been damaged.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is aware of media reports about a person allegedly taking a pet snake out in public,” a division spokesperson stated.

“Wildlife officers are making inquiries into the matter to determine if any legislative provisions under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 or permit conditions under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020 have been breached.”