WHEN a Sydney man went into his kitchen to grab a bite, a gigantic 2m python wasn’t what he had in mind.

Jarred Smith, 22, got the fright of his life last Tuesday when he was preparing lunch and found the large diamond python coiled up in a cereal box right next to him.

Snakes are no strangers to being found in residential pools or laundry baskets, but a cereal box?

“It was super weird,” Mr Smith, who lives in Davidson on the northern beaches, said.

media_camera Cereal offender: The stealthy diamond python after being freed from the box.

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“I peaked in the box, saw its head pop out and that’s when I dropped my food on the counter and bolted for the door.”

media_camera The snake was “tightly squeezed” inside the box. Pic: Annika Enderborg

media_camera Jarred Smith checks his cornflakes now after his recent visitor.

After alerting his father, Norris, who was also home at the time, the pair called the NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).

WIRES member Chris McGreal rescued the diamond python and returned it to nearby bushland.

“The python was over 2m long and I couldn’t ­believe it was jammed into this small cereal box,” Mr McGreal said.

“When I got there I ­actually had to tear the box to get it out, that’s how tightly squeezed in it

was.

“It’s likely it was hiding in there to feel secure.”

media_camera The snake was returned to bushland behind the home. Pic: Annika Enderborg

Despite their often imposing size, Mr McGreal said diamonds pythons are generally harmless towards humans unless aggravated.

“Diamond pythons are timid, stealthy snakes and the majority of the time you don’t see them,” he said.

“In general, they are the most placid, least harmful snake you’ll come across.

“The only reason for a snake bite would be mishandling or if the animal feels threatened.”

If you have a snake in your home or have found a native animal needing help, phone WIRES on 1300 094 737.