Staff at an East Maitland workshop were left stunned this week after discovering a diamond python hidden inside a vehicle tyre during a routine job.
The unwelcome intruder was found in a Holden Commodore, which had been brought into Valley Tyres East Maitland.
It is believed the vehicle travelled from Martins Creek earlier that day, with the snake unknowingly along for the ride.
Valley Tyres sales manager Tyson Blais said the workers initially had no idea what they were dealing with.
“It was complete shock,” he explained.
“You don’t expect to come across something like that when you’re just doing your job as normal.”
Footage of the moment shows the fitter jumping back in surprise after realising a snake was wrapped around the axle area of the wheel.
Mr Blais said the business had also been astounded by the public response after the incident was shared online.
“We didn’t expect it to get the attention it did,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“It’s not something you think will interest so many people, but it’s been a bit of a shock how quickly it spread.”
Mr Blais said the workers’ reaction was a natural response to an extremely unexpected situation.
“It’s just so unlikely,” he added.
“We’re used to the odd bird or small lizard turning up from time to time… but nothing like this.”
A staff member at the workshop, who holds a reptile licence and has experience handling pythons, volunteered to assist with the removal.
The snake was carefully lifted and placed into a breathable bag without resistance.
“It didn’t take excessive force,” Mr Blais said.
“The snake wasn’t aggressive and appeared to come out without much of a struggle.”
The python did not appear to have suffered visible injuries from the vehicle and was later relocated to a nature reserve in the Maitland area, away from traffic and residential zones.
Local licensed snake catcher Bronte said incidents involving snakes travelling in vehicles were rare but not unheard of.
“In situations like this, it’s important to stay calm and contact a licensed snake catcher or wildlife professional,” she explained.
“Snakes can be stressed after long journeys and may be more defensive… and improper handling can cause serious injury to both people and the animal.”
Bronte said heat exposure, stress and relocation outside a snake’s natural habitat could pose risks, which is why trained handlers were required by law to manage reptiles safely.
Despite the shock, staff say the experience is one they won’t forget any time soon.
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