Identification: Large head is distinct from the neck, dark brown to olive black in colour with yellow or cream blotches and cross bands with a spotted pattern like an old-style carpet. Generally a cream, sometimes yellowish ventral surface. Growing up to 4m in length.

 

Habitat: Well-forested areas of eucalypts and rainforest with a preference to hibernate or bromate around human settlements most often in the roof cavity over winter months.

 

Diet: Small and large mammals,  including bats and possums and sometimes wallabies, birds and sometimes lizards. Yes, they can be tempted to eat pets, chickens and mice around the home. They will sometimes be found eating rats and eggs in chicken coups. 

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Reproduction: Egg layer incubates a tight cluster of up to 47 eggs.

 

Danger: Non-venomous, but has over 100 teeth that it frequently replaces. It will bite with significant power and can cause fairly deep lacerations. It can coil and constrict handler if incorrectly handled. Bites require fast and proper medical attention and a tetanus shot is recommended. 

 

Behaviour: Largely arboreal (climber) and mostly nocturnal especially on warm humid nights. Commonly found in roof cavities and attics during winter months where they thermoregulate, but still occasionally feed.