An intruder who broke into an Austrian bakery in 1985 was given the fright of his life. As he crept across the office in the dark, he was suddenly confronted by Lola the cockatoo.

Under attack, the burglar knocked over a glass tank containing a viper. By torchlight, he saw the angry snake slither towards him.

Fear-stricken, the burglar jumped out of a window, cutting himself in the process. The baker, awoken by the noise, came down to find his shop in chaos. However, his three thousand dollar takings were left untouched.