The answer to the question of whether a snake could fit through that opening is probably yes.
Eastern brown snakes can bend their bodies in such a way that they can easily slide under closed doors, as evidenced by video posted by snake catcher Mark Pelley of Melbourne, Australia, also known as The Snake Hunter.
“Eastern brown snakes—even a large one like this—have the ability to flatten themselves out and gradually squeeze under tiny gaps under doors,” Pelley says in the video.
The clip, which was uploaded on March 2, has been viewed over 800,000 times on TikTok and over 3,500 times on Facebook.“New fear unlocked, thanks,” said one TikTok user. “Thanks now I won’t sleep ever again,” said another.
Pelley claimed that during the summer, snakes would frequently be discovered infiltrating homes in Australia. According to Pelley, snakes frequently enter homes in search of shelter, food, and water.
Pelley referred to the snake in the video as a “large one” because it was about 5.5 feet long. The Australia Museum states that the typical length of an eastern brown snake is just under 5 feet.
In Australia, eastern brown snakes are the species that cause the most fatal snakebite incidents and are thought to have the second-most toxic venom worldwide. A potent neurotoxin found in their bite gradually paralyses the victim’s heart, lungs, and diaphragm, causing them to suffocate.
In eastern and southern Australia, including some of the most populous regions, snakes can be found in a variety of habitats. Run-ins with these reptiles are therefore common.
Many viewers of the video joked that they would kill any snake that broke into their home in such a way. Pelley, however, argued that this was a bad plan. Do not try to touch a snake if you see one.
Snakes usually only bite in defence, and eastern brown snakes are no exception. Even though they have a reputation for being “aggressive,” eastern brown snakes usually choose to flee if disturbed and only bite when threatened.
Australia forbids the killing of snakes due to the dangers involved as well as the significant ecological function these creatures serve in their surroundings. It’s critical to recognise their significance in nature, so refrain from harming them, Pelley advised.
The best course of action is to contact your neighbourhood snake catcher if you do discover a snake inside your home.
