An Australian has been given the shock of his life after discovering their sewage problems were caused by a poisonous snake in their toilet.
Snake Catchers Brisbane and Gold Coast were called to a home on Friday after residents noticed the unwanted reptile in their toilet tank.
The homeowners had been experiencing “mild plumbing issues” for about two weeks before discovering that the cause of their toilet problems was a hose.
Snake catcher Jaedon lured the highly venomous eastern brown snake from his new found home.
A series of photos were shared on social media, with one showing the snake curled up in the cistern and another showing Jaedon using two hands to pull the reptile out of the toilet.
Australian homeowners had 'mild plumbing problems' before discovering the cause of their toilet problems was an Eastern brown snake
Snake catcher Jaedon was able to safely remove the highly poisonous reptile (photo)
“After very careful maneuvering, Jaedon, our snake catcher, was able to safely remove the snake,” Snake Catches Brisbane and Gold Coast wrote on Facebook.
'While it is undoubtedly shocking that such a highly venomous snake was left in the client's toilet for so long, it highlights that, if not deliberately disturbed, these snakes are not naturally aggressive as many people think.'
The snake catchers explained that the reptiles enter a household toilet through damaged pipes, vents in the plumbing system, loose lids on septic tanks or through open windows.
Social media users shared their fears, with one claiming it was their 'worst nightmare', while another wrote they would 'literally die' if they saw a snake in their toilet.
Others explained that it was a good reminder for Aussies to always check their toilet before sitting down.
“I'll be checking the dunny every time I walk into a bathroom from now on,” one person wrote.
“Well…I'm definitely going to check those places out today,” another commented.
A third said: 'I'll check before I sit down. Even late at night when you don't want to turn on the light. One must!'
Eastern brown snakes are one of Australia's most venomous snakes, and their venom ranks second among the most venomous land snakes in the world, behind another native Australian snake: the domestic taipan.
The adult eastern brown snake has a slender build and can grow up to two meters in length.
The color of the surface can be almost any shade of brown, ranging from almost black to light brown, maroon or burnt orange, while the underside is pale cream yellow and often shows orange or gray spots.
The species is native to central and eastern Australia – with the exception of Tasmania – and can also be found in Papua New Guinea.
Eastern brown snakes are one of Australia's most venomous snakes. with their venom ranked as the second most venomous land snake in the world
Eastern Browns are found in a range of habitats including dry woodlands, coastal areas, woodlands, agricultural lands, shrublands, as well as drier areas that are occasionally flooded.
Fatal snakebites are relatively rare: since the introduction of a national antivenom program, an average of two people die every year.
Eastern porpoises are responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths, with up to 65 percent of fatalities attributed to the species between 2000 and 2016, according to the National Coronial Information Service.
According to statistics from the National Coronial Information Service, Eastern Browns are responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths.
Up to 65 percent of fatalities between 2000 and 2016 were attributed to the venomous species.
Because the first bite is generally painless and often difficult to detect, anyone suspected of being bitten by an eastern brown snake should seek medical attention immediately.