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Cyclist Bitten by Snake Entangled in Bike Chain
16 Jul
Summary
- A cyclist was bitten by a two-metre eastern brown snake.
- The snake became entangled in the woman's bike chain.
- The rider sustained a dry bite and was discharged quickly.
A cyclist in her 60s sustained a snake bite on the northern rivers rail trail in New South Wales after her bike ran over an eastern brown snake. The venomous reptile, measuring two metres, became entangled in the bicycle's chain, leading to the incident near Burringbar. Paramedics attended the scene on Wednesday afternoon, treating the woman for a bite on her thigh. She was transported to Tweed Valley hospital and was discharged by Thursday morning.
Snake catcher Sarah Mailey described the extraction as challenging, noting the snake's head was free to strike. The rider fortunately experienced a dry bite, meaning no venom entered her bloodstream. The snake was euthanised due to injuries sustained. Mailey explained that snakes are often drawn to the rail trail's underside for warmth and shelter, and cooler weather conditions may have slowed the snake's reflexes, contributing to the unique mishap.
Eastern brown snakes, known for being highly venomous, are often misidentified. Mailey advised cyclists and bushwalkers to exercise patience and caution, suggesting they wait for snakes to move or carefully navigate around them if encountered on trails.
