Python rescued after getting stuck in drainpipe while attempting U-turn

An adventurous python was rescued after attempting a U-turn inside a drainpipe on the side of a home in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. Making his way up the side of the house through the pipe, the snake, named Dwayne by its rescuers, had second thoughts and tried to turn around only to firmly wedge itself inside. Rescuers still have no idea how long the visitor had been stuck in the pipe as snakes can go for long periods without food, Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers spokeswoman Rowan Wigmore, said.



Luckily for Dwayne the house was having its old pipes replaced, timing that would deliver the trapped reptile its first escape from death. Mr Wigmore said it was very lucky that he or she (They so far haven't been able to determine which sex the coastal carpet python is) survived. "There were so many things that could have gone wrong," he said. "The fact that the rain showers they had at the time, and then the good timing with the plumber and that they noticed and didn't just think it was clogged up mud. It was a very lucky snake, any one of those little scenarios could have killed it.





Mr Wigmore said they had no idea how long Dwayne had been stuck in the drain pipe, and were concerned that its internal organs may have been injured. At one point Mr Wigmore thought it was all over. "It was very unresponsive in the pipe, the plumber said they hadn't seen her move," he said. "He or she didn't move at all - I thought, 'oh god please don't die.' I thought 'is it worth putting the snake through all of this - if it's on the edge of death would it be better to just take it to the bet and get it put down?' But I'd made my promise to it to get it out." After around an hour of experimenting with different tools, the snake was finally free.





"It was a pretty delicate operation, but fortunately no knicks or cuts to her. It just realised I was helping it, and never once struck out." So far however, things are looking good. "Once it can pass food it will be okay," Mr Wigmore said. "I've got her at home in a warm tub - She's been recuperating at the moment." A warm bath, removal of eight ticks, some time resting in a warm enclosure and it was looking much better. A trip to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation on the Monday for a check and it was given a clean bill of health. Dwayne will be in care for about 10 days and then released back into the wild.