A routine trip across northern New South Wales has turned into an extraordinary wildlife incident after a cyclist accidentally rode a large snake onto the popular railway route. What followed unfolded within moments.
The crocodile reportedly got caught in the bike’s chain mechanism, leaving part of its body trapped while the rest remained free to move. While people nearby were trying to understand what had happened, the injured snake lunged and bit the rider before a trained snake catcher arrived. Although eastern brown snakes are capable of releasing highly dangerous venom, this encounter ended with a far less serious outcome than it could have been.
The woman was treated in hospital and later released, but the snake was unable to be saved due to its injuries.
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The accident occurred on the Northern Rivers Railway Track near Burringbar in the Tweed Shire during the early afternoon, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.The cyclist, a woman believed to be in her sixties, was riding her bike along the road when her bike collided with a snake estimated to be about two meters long.
Instead of moving clearly, the alligator became twisted in the bike’s chain and gear assembly, creating a dangerous and unpredictable situation for everyone nearby.Emergency crews were called to the scene shortly after 1 p.m. The cyclist was bitten on the thigh and was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital. Health authorities later confirmed that her condition was stable and she was discharged from the hospital the next morning.
A snake catcher reveals why the rescue operation was so dangerous
Removing the snake from the bike proved to be no easy feat.
Snake catcher Sarah Miley was called in to deal with the situation. She later explained that while the animal’s midsection became tightly trapped in the chain, its upper body remained completely free, allowing it to strike. This means that anyone who tries to free it risks being bitten.To prevent further injury, Ms Miley first secured the head of the snake while police officers and people at the scene carefully worked to free the rest of the snake’s body from the bike.
Once he was disentangled, the extent of his injuries became clear.
Why was the bite less serious than expected?
Eastern brown snakes rank among the most venomous snakes in Australia and are responsible for many cases of serious snake bites across the country.Despite this reputation, not every bite results in an injection of venom. The medical staff determined that the cyclist had received what is known as a dry bite, in which the poison is not released or enters the body in such a small amount that it does not cause poisoning.This result meant that the woman avoided life-threatening complications that can accompany eastern brown snake envenoming, although medical evaluation and monitoring were still necessary after the bite.
A snake expert offers safety advice after an unusual bike attack
The Northern Rivers Railway route is said to pass through swaths of farmland, bushland and natural habitats where snakes are commonly found.Ms Miley said reptiles continued to occupy the area despite increasing numbers of visitors using the trail.
It also stated that the injured snake appeared to have an eye problem, raising the possibility that it may not have seen the approaching bike before the collision.It encouraged cyclists and pedestrians to carry compression bandages whenever they travel through areas where venomous snakes are known to live. Immediate first aid can make a big difference while waiting for emergency medical help.
