In brief
The shocking incident serves as a reminder of the wildlife that may come too close for comfort in urban areas.
A bewildering event unfolded on a Melbourne motorway when a driver made a sudden stop after discovering a venomous tiger snake inside her car, inching up her leg. The incident occurred on the Monash freeway while the woman was driving at a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Upon feeling a strange sensation on her foot, she looked down only to be met with the alarming sight of the snake, prompting her to exit the vehicle in haste, leaving behind one of her shoes. Victoria Police were alerted to her distress and responded to ensure her safety. Officers described the woman as "acting hiss-terically" while on the roadside, trying to flag down other vehicles for assistance. Officers noted upon arrival that she was "rattled" and appeared to be in shock after what must have been a terrifying experience. She reported that she managed to evade the snake while maneuvering through traffic before reaching a safe spot away from her vehicle.Melbourne Snake Control was summoned to handle the situation, swiftly extracting the snake from the car. Notably, several passing motorists were reported to have been both surprised and entertained, capturing videos of the incident as they witnessed the snake removal. The driver was taken to the hospital for a suspected snake bite, but Melbourne Snake Control later confirmed that she was recovering well. In a social media update, the snake control service revealed that they successfully relocated the dangerous creature far from urban residences, ensuring both human and reptile safety—a necessary precaution given the prevalence of tiger snakes along Australia's coast, known for their high toxicity. This incident underscores the importance of being aware of local wildlife, especially in urban settings, as cities increasingly encroach on natural habitats.
