Australia really is the land of wildlife that makes you jump out your skin.
Sydney residents have been warned to beware of a hungry 2.5m-long snake after its freshly shed skin was discovered on a construction site.
The hunt is on for the dangerous boa constrictor, which has raised fears for the pets and children of Silverdale in the city’s south-west.
A professional snake handler was called to a construction site on the Cascades Estate last week after the skin was found ominously hanging from a timber framing.
Sean Cade from Australian Snake Catchers said the large reptile would be “looking for a feed” and “could potentially take out a cat or a small dog quite easily”.
“They’re a constrictor, so they’re not venomous but potentially a dangerous snake if someone comes across it, quite a powerful snake.”
The NSW Government has issued a warning to steer clear of the python if it is spotted.
While the snake is non-venomous, it is known for using its hooked teeth to constrict and suffocate its prey.
It is thus considered a threat to humans, especially children, as well as pets.
For some, it’s enough to make your blood run as cold as the creature in question.