In brief
Victoria Police respond as a woman exits her vehicle, seeking help after spotting the deadly reptile.
A driver on a Melbourne motorway faced an unexpected and frightening situation when she discovered a tiger snake slithering up her leg while driving at a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) on the Monash Freeway. In a panic, she pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to flag down other vehicles, prompting a welfare check by Victoria Police. Described by officers as "acting hiss-terically," the woman recounted the moment she felt the snake crawl onto her foot, leading to her immediate decision to exit the car. With a mixture of bravery and fear, she successfully managed to fend off the squirming snake and navigate through traffic to safety before leaping out of her vehicle, leaving one of her shoes behind. Melbourne Snake Control was summoned to safely retrieve the snake, which is regarded as one of the world's most venomous reptiles. After the encounter, the driver was transported to a nearby hospital with a suspected snake bite, but reports indicate she is recovering well. The incident left passing motorists in disbelief as they witnessed the snake extraction. Social media witnessed a surge of interest as onlookers shared videos of the dramatic scene. Tim Nanninga from Melbourne Snake Control later confirmed that the snake was relocated far from residential areas, ensuring public safety. Tiger snakes, typically found along Australia’s coastline, are notorious for their venomous bites, highlighting the urgency of both driver safety and wildlife management in the region. Despite the distressing moment, the woman’s experience serves as a reminder of the unexpected encounters nature presents, particularly for those living in or traveling through snake-prone areas.
