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Deadly eastern brown snake caught in Australian couple's bed

The eastern brown snake caught in a couple's bed in Queensland - Snake Catcher Brisbane
The eastern brown snake caught in a couple's bed in Queensland - Snake Catcher Brisbane

Spring is the start of snake mating season in Australia and two Queensland families have already had near misses with poisonous breeds found in the most unwelcome of places.

On Wednesday Elite Snake Catching Services was called to a home at Brisbane suburb, Murrarie, where one of the world's deadliest reptiles was on the loose in couple's bedroom.

By the time snakecatcher Stewart Lalor arrived the eastern brown snake was in the bed, hidden under the duvet.

"Not exactly the best place to encounter a highly venomous snake," Mr Lalor wrote on his company Facebook page.

"Good that they found it when they did and not when it was in bed," he told Seven News.

The Eastern brown snake ranks as the second most venomous land snake on the planet, behind the more reclusive Inland Taipan - which is also found in Australia.

SnakeThe Eastern brown snake ranks as the second most venomous land snake on the planet - Credit: Elite Snake Catcher Brisbane / Facebook
The Eastern brown snake ranks as the second most venomous land snake on the planet Credit: Elite Snake Catcher Brisbane / Facebook

Brown snakes, which can grow to seven feet, can be quick and aggressive if threatened, while their venom contains neurotoxins and forces the blood to clot heavily. 

They are responsible for more than half of Australian snake bites. If left untreated a bite can cause paralysis, renal failure, cardiac arrest and death.

"Fortunately [eastern browns] have no interest in humans and are only dangerous when interacted with, however in a situation like this the outcome could have been unfavourable," Mr Lalor said.

On Sunday a family discovered a live brown tree snake in their toilet bowl in the inland Gold Coast suburb of Guanaba. 

Another snake catcher Tony Harrison attracted 20,000 views when he live-streamed his capture of the reptile.

The brown tree snake is less venomous but its bite can cause severe breathing difficulties, especially in children.  

It can grow to around 10 feet in length and is usually found in forests, mangroves and on rock escarpments.