Everyone's a bit nervous about snakes in Australia.  We love them, but we're always careful - you know, you don't take them for granted!  But have you ever wondered what other animals think about living with snakes?

We saw a very special thing the other day in the You Yangs Park.  It was very, very hot and Zelda (see pic), one of the wild koalas in our research project, was sitting on the ground beside a waterhole.  It was the coolest place to be, and she could put her feet in the water, or even drink, when it got too much for her.  It was her version of going to the beach!!  But she is a very proud and alert older lady, so the slightest sound would normally send her climbing up a tree. 

Koalas often sit on the ground in the You Yangs on very hot days.  They are careful and hide themselves, as they are most vulnerable when they are on the ground.  Most people don't see them. 

Our small Savannah Walkabout group came along very quietly and saw Zelda near the waterhole.  She was drinking while they watched (another thing you don't often see!).  Then, as they watched in amazement, an Eastern Brown Snake appeared and slithered calmly past Zelda!  See last pic - the snake is very difficult to see.  He is there to the left of Zelda, beautifully camouflaged amongst the sticks and leaves.  He passed within centimetres of her, and she didn't even blink!  Most of us would have fainted.

The Eastern Brown Snake is considered to be the fourth deadliest snake in the world, based on venom potency.  They are beautiful, impressive animals and we always enjoy seeing them.  Sadly though, we don't often see them as they are shy and usually hear us coming well in advance!  You know, the threat from snakes in Australia is vastly overplayed - they don't want to hurt us, or koalas, or any large animal that they can't eat!  Zelda proved that to us.  Sometimes we humans just need to "chill out"!!!.