THE ADVERTISER (Australia) 13 November 04 Deadly snake in the shower
A Hallett Cove woman has had a "lucky escape" after one of Australia's deadliest snakes fell from the ceiling fan into the shower she was in.
Snake catcher Greg Smith, 48, said he was amazed the woman escaped being bitten by the Eastern Brown.
The species is the second most toxic land snake in Australia, Mr Smith said. The snake was about one metre long and easily could have killed the woman.
"It was quite capable of inflicting death – especially to a young child," Mr Smith said.
"It only has fangs about 2mm long but, being naked, you'd have no show of protecting yourself. An Eastern Brown confined in a space like that will instantly attack and will strike multiple times.
"It could have had tragic consequences."
Mr Smith said the snake was "incredibly excited" when he was called to catch it.
It took several strikes at him. He said it was not uncommon for snakes to get into the structure of a home when they were a baby and live there once they reached adulthood.
Deadly snake in the shower