After nearly a decade of rescuing and relocating reptiles across Australia’s Canberra region, Gavin Smith thought he’d seen it all. As the founder of ACT Snake Removals, he’s responded to countless calls — snakes in yards, sheds, roofs and water tanks.
But one recent rescue left him genuinely shaken.
Smith had been called to a home where a snake was believed to have drowned inside a cistern-like pool. The homeowner was certain the animal was already dead. Still, Smith decided to check for himself.
“I’m very glad I did,” he later wrote.
At first glance, the snake appeared completely motionless, floating in the water after being trapped there for hours. But as Smith looked closer, he realized something extraordinary was happening.
Instead of frantically swimming — which would have quickly led to exhaustion and drowning — the snake had tied her own body into a tight knot, forming a kind of living raft. The clever maneuver allowed her to stay afloat with her head above water while conserving precious energy.
It was a survival strategy Smith had never witnessed before.
“It’s honestly one of the most remarkable things I’ve seen,” he said. “You can understand how this maneuver literally blew my mind.”
The snake’s ingenuity bought her just enough time. Using his hook, Smith carefully lifted her from the water and released her to safety.
“She appeared very keen to be out of that predicament,” Smith said.
For someone who has worked with snakes for years, the moment was a powerful reminder of just how intelligent and adaptable wildlife can be.
“They never cease to surprise and amaze,” Smith said. “This was definitely a significant observation — I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
Thanks to one quick decision and a brilliant survival instinct, the snake lived to slither another day. 🐍
