In a startling incident in south-west Sydney, a woman required medical attention after a highly venomous snake became trapped in her footwear while she was participating in an outdoor game.
Unusual Discovery During Recreation
On Saturday, December 20, the woman, estimated to be in her forties, was engaged in geocaching—a treasure hunt-style activity—when she felt an unusual sensation on her leg. Initially mistaking it for a leaf, she was alarmed to find a snake firmly attached to her sneaker.
Snake catcher Cory Kerewaro, known online as Reptile Relocation Sydney, recounted that the woman remained motionless upon realizing the danger. Emergency services were alerted around 3:30 p.m. local time.
Dangerous Encounter with Eastern Brown Snake
Kerewaro identified the reptile from a photo as an eastern brown snake, one of Australia's most lethal species, capable of causing death within minutes. The snake had become lodged in a small loop at the back of her shoe, a situation Kerewaro described as "absolutely unreal."
"Brown snakes are highly reactive when stressed, and there was nowhere to take cover, nowhere to approach from safely, and no room for error," Kerewaro stated. "Any sudden movement could cause the snake to react."
Upon arrival, Kerewaro noted the snake showed signs of heat stress, which reduced its typical reactivity. He carefully secured the snake and cut the loop to free the woman.
Medical Response and Recovery
The woman was hospitalized as a precaution due to uncertain marks on her legs, which could have been snake bites or scratches from the bushland. Linda Evans, acting duty operations manager for NSW Ambulance, explained that paramedics treated it as a potential snake bite, applying bandages and immobilization techniques.
"Our intensive care paramedics carry certain medications that can assist in slowing down the onset of those symptoms ... we make sure the patient is stable and get them as quickly as possible to a hospital that carries an antivenene," Evans added.
The incident highlights the risks of outdoor activities in snake-prone areas, with the woman receiving ongoing medical care following the encounter.
