A disturbing video has emerged of children in Australia’s Woorabinda jumping over a dead black-headed python, which has gone viral on social media. The footage shows the children giggling while supervised by an adult, raising concerns about their behavior. The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation responded by condemning the incident and stating they would investigate. Social media reactions were mixed, with some users expressing outrage that the snake lacked a proper burial, while others defended the children’s cultural connection to the land. Killing or injuring a black-headed python is punishable by a fine of up to AUD 7,952.
A troubling video showing children using a dead snake as a jump rope has gained significant attention on social media. The footage is from Woorabinda, Australia, situated roughly two hours from Rockhampton in Central Queensland, where children are seen giggling as they leap over the snake, all while an adult appears to supervise them from behind the camera.
“Show me that, show me what it is,” a woman can be heard saying off-camera. As the kids continue to jump and laugh, one boy identifies it as a black-headed python. It is still unclear whether the python was deceased before the children began their playful antics.
As the video circulated widely, garnering hundreds of views on various social platforms, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation expressed its concern.
“We vehemently disapprove of this unacceptable behavior and will look into the matter,” a spokesperson remarked.
“Any instances of harm or injury to native animals should be reported to the Department of the Environment, Science, Tourism, and Innovation or the RSPCA.”
Australian Aboriginal children use dead python as a skipping rope in Woorabinda, Queensland pic.twitter.com/1VfIdL3hIs
— Clown Down Under 🤡 (@clowndownunder) March 10, 2025
Social media reacts
A portion of social media users expressed their disapproval of the video, arguing that the snake should be given a respectful burial rather than being tossed around.
“It should have been buried with dignity on their sacred land,” one user commented, while another pointed out: “It’s not a problem. They are connected to the land and understand their actions. It’s their culture. What’s troubling is that they are out playing after dark.”
A third user remarked: “Allowing such behavior in youth is one reason they grow into unfeeling teenagers and adults devoid of empathy for the suffering inflicted on both humans and animals.”
Importantly, the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of killing or injuring a black-headed python in Australia is Rs 6.9 lakh ($7,952). Black-headed pythons are among the largest snakes in the country, native to northern regions and protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. They are a non-venomous species capable of growing up to 3.5 meters long and kill their prey through constriction.
Generally, they are passive and tend to avoid encounters with humans.