A Christchurch traveller returned from Bali with more than just souvenirs after a live snake was discovered wrapped around a jandal inside their suitcase.

Biosecurity New Zealand sent trained handlers to a Christchurch property today after a small snake was discovered in the suitcase of a traveller recently returned from Bali.

Biosecurity New Zealand’s manager of biosecurity surveillance and incursion, Wendy McDonald said a very small live snake was found wrapped around the toe of a jandal in the suitcase.

Preliminary identification by a specialist herpetologist suggests it is a wolf snake, which is a type of non-venomous boa.

The snake will be humanely euthanised, McDonald said.

“Each year, we detect one or two snakes at post-border locations, with more typically intercepted at the border.

“These are usually non-venomous and often arrive dead due to cargo treatment,” McDonald said.

She said they respond to any alert as quickly as possible, including dispatching trained handlers to detection sites.

“Our handlers undergo intensive training, including specialist instruction in Australia where they work with live snakes under expert supervision.”

The training is refreshed every two years.