An unexpected visitor in the Possum Enclosure

A Close Encounter with a Bardick Snake: Unexpected Visitor in the Possum Enclosure

What started as a routine day as I entered the possum enclosure to feed the possums, quickly turned into an unforgettable encounter. As I was ready to leave after checking on my possums, my foot hovered mid-step. There it was—a snake. A sleek, silent figure stretched out across the ground. My heart raced as I realised I must have already stepped over it when entering. And now, trapped between me, the possums, and the only exit, was a reptile I couldn’t identify.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Should I risk stepping over it again? Not a chance. The possums needed protection, and I needed a plan. Grabbing the longest stick I could find, I carefully maneuvered the snake, guiding it through not one but two doors and finally over the fence. Every second felt like a high-stakes game, each move calculated to keep us both safe.

Once the ordeal was over, relief swept through me. But curiosity quickly replaced it. What kind of snake was this unexpected visitor? I called a local snake relocator to ensure it was handled properly. Her reaction? Pure excitement—this wasn’t just any snake. It was a Bardick, a species she had never encountered before.

For those unfamiliar with the Bardick snake (Echiopsis curta), it’s a fascinating and elusive species. With its thick, stocky body and smooth scales ranging from pale grey to reddish-brown, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Bardicks are nocturnal hunters, preying on small lizards, frogs, and mammals, and while their venom is potent, they’re shy and prefer to avoid confrontation.

This encounter reminded me of the delicate balance we share with wildlife. The Bardick wasn’t aggressive—it was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. In its own quiet but scary way, it added a new layer of appreciation for the creatures we coexist with, even those that might make our hearts race.

So next time you’re out in nature, be it tending to wildlife or simply walking in your garden, keep an eye out. You might just have your own brush with something extraordinary—and maybe even a story worth sharing.