ONE of the world's deadliest snakes caused mayhem after it was found warming itself under a popcorn machine in a Northern Territory cinema - less than a metre from teenage staff.
It took one week to catch the 60cm western brown.
The snake, which staff had thought was harmless, was first seen by a security guard as it made its way up the front ramp of the CMAX cinema in Palmerston. It disappeared through a vent.
Staff believed it was a harmless tree snake. They did not see it again until Friday night - when they discovered it living in the cinema's candy bar.
Manager Andrew Cripps said: "I think the heat from the popcorn machine was an attraction.
"Someone noticed it move, so they went to investigate it.''
Snake catcher Gordon Canning was called in and saw teenage staff members searching for the snake in cupboards.
"I don't think they realised just how deadly this thing was,'' he said.
"They weren't far from it - maybe a metre. It could have been bad.
"If people see a snake, please, hands off.''
Mr Cripps said the staff on duty were of different ages - but one was as young as 14. He did not know how the snake travelled from one side of the building to the other.
"We found a dead rodent the day before, so now we assume the snake and the rodent had words - and the snake won.
"I'd be worried if we had a repeat of this incident.
"It could have been a much different outcome. Brown snakes can be very dangerous.
"We have lizards getting in all the time. They are part and parcel with the Territory, but to have a western brown is a lot more serious.''
Mr Canning captured the snake and released it away from populated areas. |
