A family was surprised to find a 'white and orange python' on their driveway in Tahmoor.
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Corey Kerewaro from Reptile Relocation Sydney was called to the scene and discovered that the white and orange python was actually an American Corn Snake.
American Corn snakes are illegal in Australia and can carry parasite and other diseases which can affect native fauna and potentially transfer disease to humans. These snakes are smuggled in to Australia and bred illegally.
Corey removed the snake from property and called the Department of Primary Industries to have the snake put down.
The snake was sent to the DPI for further testing and to establish if it had any diseases or parasites that may affect native species.
According to Sean from Australian Snake Catchers, American corn snakes have little venom but they do have the potential to cause harm.
"There's a few pockets of wild American corn snakes in Sydney. National Parks are looking at the problem and how to stop them," he said.
According to the DPI, American corn snakes are known carriers of the parasite, Cryptosporidium which can infect humans, domestic and native animals with diarrhoeal disease.
For the above reasons the corn snake is considered to have the potential to cause a significant decline in a variety of our native species and are prohibited in Australia.
If sighted please call a qualified snake catcher or the DPI on 1800 680 244.