Queensland surfer takes pet snake for ride on the water at Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta

A laid-back surfer who boldly took his pet snake for a swim is being investigated for the brazen act, amid concerns over the animal’s welfare.

Higor Fiuza took his carpet python through the water as he hit the waves at Rainbow Bay in Coolangatta, southeast Queensland.

Dramatic aerial footage taken by a drone and shared on Sunday showed the snake named Shiva draped over Mr Fiuza’s shoulder as he rode his surfboard.

Australians were left in awe after the footage was shared on social media, but the Queensland Department of Parks and Wildlife was unamused and launched an investigation into whether the surfer broke wildlife laws.

At one point, the footage shows the surfer riding a small wave with the hastily passed python around his neck.

The clip also shows the man paddling through the water, while the animal cuddles up comfortably on the surfboard while soaking up the sun.

The video of Mr. Fiuza’s daring act was shared on an Instagram page before prompting numerous comments from social media users, including the netizen.

“Hi brother…what a day,” Mr. Fiuza said.

“This is crazy,” wrote one social media user.

“I’ve seen it all,” added another.

Mr. Fiuza said ABC the three-year-old snake surfed 10 times and said Shiva was “a natural”.

“It’s such an amazing snake,” Mr Fiuza said.

“I always took her to the beach and she loved swimming in the water, so one day I decided to take her surfing and she loved it.”

Mr Fiuza said he was not worried about losing Shiva in the water as the animal has developed a strong grip and now holds his neck firmly while surfing.

“She could swim. She goes underwater and comes back to me,” he said.

Surfer Higor Fiuza took his python Shiva for a swim before the pair rode the waves together.

However, the authorities are unaware of this man’s antics and are launching an investigation into his actions.

Queensland’s Department of Parks and Wildlife Service told Daily Mail Australia it was investigating whether the man had breached wildlife laws.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is aware of media reports that a person released a pet snake in public,” a department spokesperson said.

“Wildlife officers are investigating the matter to determine whether any statutory provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 or permit conditions under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulations 2020 have been breached. “.

Experts claim that exposing snakes to water will harm the animal.

Tim Hudson, of Hudson Snake Catching Gold Coast and Hinterland, said 7Newsthe Shiva should not have been launched.

“Snakes are ecotherms, so obviously it can cause them a lot of stress if they’re in that cold, salty water,” Hudson said.

“Snakes are very fragile in their environment and in the way they interact with their environment, leaving them outside in cold, salty waves would certainly cause this animal considerable stress.”

Mr Fiuza said Shiva had surfed at least ten times and was ‘natural’ as video footage was posted on social media showing the snake slung over the man’s shoulders as he surfed .

Authorities are investigating Mr Fiuza’s actions to determine whether he broke any wildlife laws following his brazen act, as experts say snakes should not be taken into the water.