Python power in Dave's ute gives extra hiss

By Michelle Hoctor
Updated November 5 2012 - 11:26pm, first published November 19 2009 - 10:57am
Dave Berry watches as WIRES snake handler Sam Joukador, with his wife Cathy, extricate the diamond python from Dave's work ute. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Dave Berry watches as WIRES snake handler Sam Joukador, with his wife Cathy, extricate the diamond python from Dave's work ute. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER

Garage door contractor Dave Berry discovered he'd been carrying a subbie for the past two weeks after finding a 2m diamond python in his ute.The Mangerton man was returning from a job at Wollongong's North Beach about 3pm yesterday when he noticed a suspicious bulge inside the lining of the door."I thought it was the insulation falling out, but as soon as I touched it, it shot through inside the car, over the wheel guard," he said.

  • Snake bites surfer at Killalea State ParkMr Berry called WIRES snake handler Cathy Joukador for help. But with a 4pm appointment pressing at Albion Park, he opted to instead hit the road, while arranging to meet Mrs Joukador at her Oak Flats home afterwards to have the python removed.The snake proved a slippery customer, taking more than 30 minutes to coax out, but not before sections of the ute had to be dismantled.Mrs Joukador said the snake was deeply dehydrated, leading both she and Mr Berry to conclude it had slithered on board during a trip "up bush" two weeks ago."My ute's in a million pieces at the moment, but that's okay, it's a beautiful snake," Mr Berry said.
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