A Sydney family was forced to make a distress call to emergency services after they found a venomous snake "in a cranky mood" in their backyard.
The red-bellied black snake had wandered in and out of a family home in Engadine in the city's south on Sunday.
A team of trained professionals from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) arrived at the home and tracked down the 1.5 metre snake at the rear of the property.
"It was a tricky job as it slithered in and out of foliage," FRNSW captain Brady Clarke said.
"When we snared the slippery customer, we noticed it was in pain, thanks to a tick attached to its back."
"We were extra cautious as a venomous snake in a cranky mood can be especially dangerous."
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Firefighters contacted wildlife rescue organisation WRES who collected the reptile from Menai Fire Station for further medical treatment and x-rays due to a lump on its back.
FRNSW advises residents not to approach snakes if they pose a danger and to contact Triple-Zero (000) or WIRES instead.