Boa constrictor on the loose after Gold Coast police mistakenly set it free

Biosecurity Queensland sets snake catchers on trail of two-metre reptile released after officers captured it in Surfers Paradise but thought it was a harmless python

Australian Associated Press

Monday 6 April 2015 23.02 BSTLast modified on Tuesday 7 April 201506.12 BST

A bizarre search has unfolded on the Gold Coast after a South American boa constrictor was released by police who wrongly believed it was a harmless python.

Police say officers were called to the Esplanade at Surfers Paradise on or about 26 March in response to reports of a large snake spotted on a footpath, at the base of a tree.

The officers released the reptile into bushland at the Southport Spit. Their action has sparked an operation by Biosecurity Queensland officers, who said the snake was not a harmless python after all. It has been identified as a two-metre South American boa constrictor, a large predatory snake that could pose a threat to other reptiles and even domestic pets.

“These snakes could wipe out entire species of reptiles and they have been known to eat cats and dogs,” a Gold Coast snake catcher, Tony Harrison, told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“We have been told to capture it so the state government can euthanise it. It makes me really angry that people import these snakes as pets and release them when they get too big. They carry heaps of diseases.”

Continued ...

Scientists discover new species with fatal attraction on Queensland's Gold Coast hinterland

By Elise Worthington

Queensland scientists have discovered a new species of mouse-like marsupial renowned for its deadly breeding habits in the Gold Coast hinterland.

The carnivorous antechinus received international attention last year after scientists found the male of the species was dying from stress after over-enthusiastic marathon mating sessions.

Now researchers have discovered a new species, the black-tailed antechinus.

It is thought the species is only found in high-altitude, wet areas in the Springbrook National Park between northern New South Wales and the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Dr Andrew Baker, from the Queensland University of Technology, says researchers are applying for an endangered species listing while they conduct more research.

"They probably follow the typical pattern of antechinus, which is all males are dead before they turn one year old," he said.

Continued

Man teaches mice to skateboard

An Australian man who achieved worldwide fame by teaching his pet mice to surf has now trained them to ride skateboards.

Shane Willmott has built a mouse-sized skate park in the backyard of his Gold Coast home where his mice 'drop the vert ramp' and get airborne on mouse-sized toy skateboards.

The furry daredevils even fly through a ring of fire.

Mr Willmott, who has been training mice to surf for about 10 years, said he decided to teach them to skate because it was too cold in winter to take them to the beach.

"They love it," he said. "Mice are built to surf and skate because their centre of gravity is so low. When they do fall off, they want to get straight back on board."

http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/Man_teaches_mice_to_skateboard

Koala surprises canoeists by hitching ride in Australia

A group of canoeists on Australia's Gold Coast were surprised over the weekend to see a koala swimming near the bank of a river and even more shocked when it crawled into one of their canoes and hitched a ride.

Although it is not unknown for the marsupials to take to the water, experts believe the animal might have felt trapped on a tidal bank in Tallebudgera Creek and decided the canoe was its best way to escape.

Tom Santorelli reports.

See video here:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-19399774