An Australian was fined 1.5 thousand dollars for surfing with a python

An Australian man was fined for taking his python to surf lessons.

Authorities believe the owner had no right to bring the carpet python out into the public, CNN reports.

Australian Gigor Fiuza and his python Shiva were often seen on the beaches of the Gold Coast. The owner of the python claimed that his pet likes to swim. The local media wrote about the man and the python, and the video with them went viral.

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However, the man was fined about $1,500 for violating the terms of his python license, which prohibited him from taking the reptile off the premises.

Gigor Fiuza. Photo: Instagram

“This man caught our attention when he appeared in the local media taking his python for a swim.” – said Senior Wildlife Officer Jonathan McDonald.

The Department expressed concern about the condition of the animal and the safety of people.

“Snakes are obviously cold-blooded animals, and although they can swim, reptiles generally avoid water. For a python, the water is extremely cold, and the only snakes that should be in the ocean are – it’s marine” – added Jonathan McDonald.

Phuiza had previously said that he believed that Shiva enjoyed water. The proof of this is that the python never hissed while surfing, which is what it usually does when it is irritated.

According to the Queensland Government, carpet pythons can grow up to 4 meters in length, although most do not exceed 2.5 metres.

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The non-venomous species lives almost everywhere in Australia except Tasmania and mainly feeds on small animals such as rats, possums, birds and lizards.

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