Wildlife Wrangler’s Slippery Toilet Snake Encounter: “a natural instinct to go into holes”
In Queensland, Australia, a routine call to unblock a toilet led to an unexpected discovery of a venomous blue-bellied black snake. The snake was safely captured by wildlife wrangler Tennille Bankes, and relocated to its natural habitat in nearby bushland.
By Beth Snider · January 8, 2024
In a small rural town of Goondiwindi in Queensland, Australia, a seemingly routine call for an unflushable blockage in a public toilet turned into an extraordinary encounter with a snake. Wildlife wrangler Tennille Bankes, founder of the Wildlife Empire animal sanctuary and relocation service, was summoned to the scene to address the discovery - a venomous snake taking refuge in the toilet bowl.
The snake was identified as a blue-bellied black snake, also known as a spotted black snake, a venomous reptile native to Australia and known for its distinctive appearance.
Armed with her expertise and tools of the trade, Tennille Bankes arrived at the public toilet prepared to handle the unexpected intruder. Documenting the entire process on TikTok, she displayed her skills in safely capturing the snake. Using a hook, she carefully lifted the serpent out of the toilet bowl and secured it in a bag. As Bankes handled the situation, she took the opportunity to educate viewers about the snake’s behavior. According to her, snakes have a “natural instinct to go into holes,” and toilets provide an appealing environment for them. The cool and damp conditions of toilets, along with the possibility of finding a snack in the form of frogs seeking refuge from the heat, make them an attractive spot for these reptiles.
After successfully capturing the snake, it was relocated to nearby bushland, allowing it to return to its natural habitat. This practice aligns with her commitment to wildlife conservation and the importance of coexisting with Australia’s diverse and sometimes dangerous fauna.
The blue-bellied black snake, while venomous, typically defends itself only if it feels threatened. Its bite can deliver a potent dose of highly toxic venom, making encounters with humans potentially dangerous. However, their instinct is not to attack but to seek shelter and sustenance.
This incident in Goondiwindi is part of a larger trend in Australia, where snake sightings in homes and public buildings have been on the rise. The weeks of intense storms along the East Coast may be contributing to the displacement of these creatures.