A professional reptile catcher in Sydney has described a recent emergency call-out as one of the most bizarre and dangerous situations he has ever encountered, after finding a highly venomous snake tangled in the loop of a woman's shoe.
A Call for Help in Extreme Heat
Cory Kerewaro from Reptile Relocation Sydney received an urgent request for assistance from NSW Ambulance on 22 December 2025. Paramedics were dealing with a potential snake bite incident and needed expert help to remove the reptile. When they sent through a photo, Kerewaro immediately identified the culprit as an Eastern Brown Snake, one of Australia's most venomous land snakes.
However, the next image left him utterly stunned. "What I saw next was something I still can’t quite believe," Kerewaro later wrote on social media. The snake had somehow managed to slither through the back heel loop of the victim's shoe, becoming tightly wedged. He described the odds of such an event as "almost nil".
A Delicate and Dangerous Rescue
The scene was fraught with peril. The woman was standing in the middle of a road on a scorching day with temperatures between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius. The Eastern Brown Snake, known for being highly reactive when stressed, was trapped in a precarious position with the patient.
"There was nowhere to take cover, nowhere to approach from safely, and no room for error," Kerewaro explained. "Any sudden movement could cause the snake to react. If it reacted, it could bite her. If it bit her, the consequences could be fatal."
The experienced catcher noted that the extreme heat likely worked slightly in his favour, potentially slowing the snake's reactions. With meticulous care, he pinned the snake to secure it. It quickly became apparent that the reptile was so tightly stuck it could not be moved forwards or backwards through the loop.
Shoe Sacrificed for Safety
Faced with no other viable option, Kerewaro made the quick decision to cut the shoe's heel loop open to release the snake. Sacrificing the footwear was a straightforward choice to ensure the woman's safety. Once the snake was freed and safely contained, the sense of relief was "overwhelming".
Kerewaro shared photos and the story of the extraordinary rescue to highlight the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of calling professionals in such emergencies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers posed by venomous snakes, especially during the hot Australian summer when they are most active.
