A Kalkadoon woman from Mount Isa was captured picking up a two and a half metre long python on her journey from Mount Isa to Kingaroy last week.

Wildlife enthusiast Kat Quin was making the journey with friend Sarah Astbury, when they saw a live python in the middle of the road. 

With a passion for the welfare of native wildlife, Ms Quin exited from the vehicle into the pouring rain to catch the python.

“It was just a friendly, old python,” she said.

“I picked it up to move it off the road and quickly show kids who were sitting in the back seat.”

She said the children were more concerned about the cold rain entering the car than the snake.

“The kids handle lizards and small animals all the time. We have taught the kids from a young age not to be afraid of these animals and to respect all forms of wildlife.

“Sarah wasn’t too phased either, she is used to me picking up wildlife now but she grew up on a farm so I don't think it was too big of a shock.” 

Ms Quin said despite being passionate about welfare of wildlife, she had not implemented a chapter out of Steve Irwin’s Australian story. 

“I do know who he was and what he did, but we have never watched television programs; so I guess I wasn't a follower. It was just a part of growing up for me,” she said.

“I am passionate about native animals of all shapes and sizes. I believe native animals should not be harmed unnecessarily and I teach the children that. 

“I was taught from a young age you shouldn't harm any animal unless you are hungry and need to eat.”

If anyone was to come across wildlife on the road, Ms Quin’s advice is to drive appropriately until the animal passes. Unless people know what they are doing with animals its best not to approach, touch or pick them up.