Heroic 80-Year-Old Saves Puppy From Python Attack
An 80-year-old Australian woman has been hailed as a “deadset legend” after bravely rescuing her puppy from the coils of a carpet python. Both the dog and the snake escaped with minor injuries, but the courageous woman suffered three painful bites during the rescue.
A Terrifying Discovery
The drama unfolded on Tuesday evening in Lennox Head, New South Wales. The woman rushed outside after hearing her dog “screaming” in distress. To her shock, she found a large python “coiled completely around her pup” and saw bite marks on the dog’s chin.
Quick Thinking and Painful Bites
Without hesitation, the elderly woman acted to free her trapped puppy. During the struggle, the python bit her three times before finally releasing its grip. Once the snake slithered away into a neighbor’s yard, she followed it, determined to keep her pets safe.
She relocated the python to a nearby shrub, hoping it wouldn’t return.
Family Pride and Online Praise
Her daughter proudly shared the story online, posting a photo of her mother holding the snake by its tail while inspecting a bite on her arm.
“Mum got bitten three times getting the snake off her pup. She’s bloody amazing,” her daughter wrote.
Australians across social media were quick to praise the brave grandmother.
“They don’t make them like that anymore — such a sturdy old bird with a beautiful heart,” one commenter wrote.
Others called her “gutsy” and a “trooper,” while many expressed hope that the puppy wasn’t too traumatized.
Concern for Safety
Several users urged the woman to seek medical attention to prevent infection from the snake bites. Her daughter later confirmed they had visited the vet to check on the dog’s condition.
Despite the attention, the modest woman declined interview requests, with her daughter telling Yahoo News simply:
“Mum did what she had to do.”
Experts Weigh In
Snake experts reminded the public that carpet python bites can be “nasty.” Handling wild snakes requires a license in Australia, and technically, the woman’s actions breached wildlife protection laws.
Even so, snake catcher Mathew Hampton praised her bravery:
“Her love for her pet clearly took over,” he said. “I don’t recommend anyone interfering with a snake, but I understand the urgency of the moment. She’s done a great job — she’s pretty tough.”
A Legend Among Aussies
While authorities discourage the public from handling snakes, many Australians agree that the woman’s instincts were heroic. Her determination not only saved her puppy but also reminded everyone of the fierce love pet owners have for their animals — even when it means facing a python head-on.
