AKIPRESS.COM - Snake catchers in Australia have rescued a carpet python which was found covered in hundreds of ticks, BBC reports.

The reptile, which was believed to be ill and was coated in the parasites, was lying in a backyard swimming pool on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

A professional handler removed the snake and took it for treatment at a wildlife clinic.

Vets removed more than 500 ticks, snake catcher Tony Harrison told the BBC, and it is expected to recover.