By MONIQUE DEVEREUX
A python believed to be on the loose in a central Auckland suburb could be enticed out of hiding by a saucer of milk.
That suggestion is one of many the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has received on a hotline set up to record sightings of the snake.
MAF has been searching Freemans Bay since children found a freshly shed snake skin in a Beresford St gutter last week.
The skin belonged to a 2m diamond or carpet python.
Neither species is venomous but both can inflict painful bites.
A thorough search of Beresford St properties on Wednesday, using tracker dogs Eric and Basil, failed to find the reptile.
MAF dog detection unit manager Rene Gloor said he was awaiting assessment from head office before making another search.
Several rat carcasses were found, but were not believed to be victims of the snake, which would swallow its prey whole.
Mr Gloor said experts had told him that the snake, if living in the open, might not need to eat for another two weeks - and the wet weather might encourage it to stay in hiding.
MAF has received several suggestions from people about catching the snake. A woman who had previously lived in Perth suggested using milk to attract the snake - a method she had found useful in Australia.
Mr Gloor said there was still a strong possibility someone was "harbouring" the snake in their home.
"We looked in all the obvious places. If the snake was anywhere near us we would have found it."
If that was the case, the owner might not realise the snake could be a serious threat to New Zealand wildlife, Mr Gloor said.
"It does feed on birds and yes, that could include kiwis," he said. "It can also climb up trees and eat eggs."
Keeping a snake or smuggling one into the country can result in a $100,000 fine and a five-year jail term, but Mr Gloor said he hoped anyone who might be holding the snake would come forward.
Suburban reptile gives hunters slip
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