Viral Video: Children Seen Jumping Over Python Like A Skipping Rope In Queensland – Watch

A video showing children using a snake as a skipping rope in Woorabinda, a remote village in Central Queensland, Australia, has gone viral, causing concern and outrage. The village is nearly two hours away from Rockhampton. The video, first reported by 7NEWS, shows children smiling and jumping over the snake while a woman records the act, saying, "Show me that, show me what it is."

One of the individuals in the video claims the snake is a black-headed python. However, it remains unclear whether the snake was already dead when the children began using it as a skipping rope.

The video was shared on X, formerly Twitter, with the caption: "Australian Aboriginal children use dead python as a skipping rope in Woorabinda, Queensland." At the time of writing, it has gathered over 17,800 views.

Many users reacted with shock and criticism. One comment read, "That's the most bizarre thing I've seen in a while." Another person condemned the act, stating, "This is wrong on so many levels." Some users speculated on how the snake died, with one saying, "And I bet they're the ones who killed it." Others expressed their disapproval more simply, with one remarking, "This is not done."

Following the viral spread of the video, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation launched an investigation. A spokesperson for the department told 7NEWS, "We condemn this inappropriate behaviour and will investigate the incident."

The spokesperson also reminded Queensland residents to treat all animals with respect, whether alive or dead. Under the Nature Conservation Act of 1992, black-headed pythons are a protected species in Queensland. It is illegal to kill, harm, or remove them from the wild. Anyone found guilty of such an offence could face a fine of up to $12,615.