Snake catchers

February 2012

Snakes in Brisbane and the burbs!

A few memorable snakes already this month. The most unique location would have to be Brisbane Riverside Ferry Terminal in the Brisbane CBD! A fellow catcher also removed one from Post Office Square so whilst I thought I had the most central snake it looks like I was beaten by a nose! That being said I haven't seen pics so the jury is still out.

This really does answer the question "Are snakes found throughout Brisbane?" with a definate YES. This little fella couldn't understand the fuss and was a little upset to loose his water and city views close to transport.

SnakeCatchers.com

January 2012

Hot hot hot and snakes a plenty!

It's a busy start to the year! Snakes are out and about with the warm days meaning they are fast little critters. Baby pythons are starting to show up as the end of the breeding season approaches. Other species are out and about too. Remember just because a snake is small doesn't mean it can't inflict a lethal bite. Whilst many small snakes are non venomous it's always safer to assume it's a venomous species unless you are sure otherwise. Remember you can always take a pic and send it to us for identification for FREE! Always be sure to keep a safe distance whilst taking a photograph.

Not surprisingly the combination of breeding season and warmer temperatures have resulted in the pythons & tree snakes being unusually defensive. Whilst they are none venomous they are showing they are more than interested to bite. That being said like any snake if they are left alone they are more than happy to find a comfy spot and chill.

SnakeCatchers.com

December 2011

December 2011 - A cool start, extensive rain and then the snakes came out!

It was a cool start to summer in Queensland however that has all changed. It's still breeding season for a number of snakes including the Coastal Carpet Python so the warmth would be very welcome.

The phone has been ringing off the hook with with calls as snake activity increases. It's a timely reminder to keep cats inside and dogs under control. Vets have reported an increase in snake incidents a number of which have been fatal. Remember it's a dog's natural instinct to take on a snake just as much as it's the snake's instinct to defend itself. It is our jobs as pet owners and animal lovers to do our best to avoid the encounters.

Memorable calls this month include several from the Queensland Ambulance Service regarding snake incidents/snake bites. A resident from Ashgrove, a suburb not far from Brisbane, was bitten by a Coastal Carpet Python as he went to do the washing. Not being able to identify the snake the resident did the correct thing and called 000. News crews were on the scene as the snake was captured and confirmed to be a non venomous Coastal Carpet Python. They crew were relieved to receive the news.

As you go on holidays it's a great time to check the first aid and to brush up on your skills. Also it's advisable to do a little research on the snakes you may encounter in your chosen holiday area. Remember prevention is better than cure so if you can avoid the snake contact both you and the snake have a great holiday season!

Most of our snake catchers are available over the holiday season so please feel free to call us should you require a snake removal professional.

Stay safe and enjoy Christmas!

IMPORTANT UPDATE!

Snake activity has increased and with it an increased number of bites. The following incident occured at Eaton's Hill on the evening of the 19th of December.
During a family outing a 15yo male was bitten on the leg by a venomous snake. Eatons Hill, just North of Albany Creek is bordered by both South Pine River and old farming land. After an outing to the Eatons Hill Hotel the victim went for a walk near the local golf course. This is where the incident occured however the vitcim was unsure he had been bitten until he moved out into an area of sufficient lighting.

Whilst tests were inconclusive as to the species involved it was likely to be either an Eastern Brown Snake or a Red Bellied Black snake. The victim did the right thing and had a pressure immobilisation bandage applied and was taken to hospital whilst avoiding unnecessary movement. The victim spent about 18 hours in hospital under the close observation of hospital staff. He reported a tingling sensation in his leg due to the venom breaking down some tissue. The following day he reported a degree of pain however is expected to make a full recovery.

This incidents points out the fact that venomous snakes are present in even populated suburbs. It also points out that if the correct procedure is followed after a bite the consequences can be significantly reduced!

Two for the price of one!

Another snake call pointed out an interesting safety precaution for me as well as other snake catchers. 'When catching a snake look out for other snakes!'.

After catching the Red Bellied Black Snake shown in the picture I noticed the eastern brown as shown laying in crass only 2 - 3 meters away. Typically these snakes avoid contact as the Red Belly is known to eat other snakes. Both of these snakes are highly venomous. The Red Belly bit my catching equipment leaving it dripping with venom.

SnakeCatchers.com

November 2011

November 2011 - A snake bite fatality near Warwick

Sadly a 43yo mother, Ms Narelle Pails, died from a snake bite on Wednesday 4th of November. Reports indicate she was bitten by what could be an Eastern Brown and died only a couple of hours later. Reports also suggest that the bite was into the blood stream and not the muscle tissue which allowed it to travel rapidly around the victim's body. Unfortunately the victim appears to have suffered cardiac arrest and died whilst being treated.

Venomous snakes are throughout Australia. The Eastern Brown inhabits the east coast of Australia and is often relocated from inner city suburbs of Brisbane. It is a snake that will defend itself aggressively and, as shown, possesses extremely toxic venom. It is dangerous and illegal to try to kill any snake and therefore we urge you to contact a local licensed snake catcher.

When out and about make sure you stay aware of this often hidden danger. If you or anyone else is bitten by a snake try to stay calm, call triple zero and apply a pressure immobilisation bandage. Your effective reaction is the victim's best chance of survival and a full recovery.

Our thoughts are with the Pails family and those who knew Ms Pails.

SnakeCatchers.com

October 2011

October 2011 - Mating season and they are out and about.

Mating season has arrived for a number of snake species. Home owners are being kept awake by noises in the roof that sometimes carry on for hours. One customer had a number of Carpet Pythons removed from her roof because they were damaging the insulation and keeping her awake. They even knocked in a few down lights.

The highlight this month was a large Red Bellied Black removed from the grounds of a daycare. The snake in question was rather unhappy to be caught and put on a bit of a show. A truly spectacular animal as well as highly venomous!

Remember, wear boots, long loose pants and gloves when in the garden to give at least some level of protection.

Know your first aid for snake bites and as always stay safe!

SnakeCatchers.com

September 2011

September 2011 - Spring has sprung, the temperature is up and the snakes are on the move.

Spring is here and the temperatures are warming up. It's a great time to snake proof your chicken coups, guinea pigs cages and bird aviaries. Try feeding pets first thing in the morning to allow the food to be eaten throughout the day. Remove excess food during the night as this in turn reduces the activity of vermin. Also make sure the pet food is in a secure container. Less vermin = less chance of snakes.

There has already been an increase in snake activity in Brisbane and South East Queensland. A number of calls have also come through the Gold Coast. Rockhampton is also starting to show signs of activity.

Spring clean the yard to wearing all the right safety gear and get ready for summer.

Stay safe!

SnakeCatchers.com

August 2011

August 2011 - An awesome Eastern Brown Snake & a few pythons!

An awesome Eastern Brown snake swam onto the beach at Nudgee Beach just north of Brisbane. The full size fatty was in great condition and displayed the typical defensive strikes that Eastern Brown snakes are renown for! That being said he was a little tired after his swim so he was an easy catch. A holiday maker kept an eye on the snake making it easy to find and catch it. Definately not a snake that should be near a childs playground. The Eastern Brown snake is considered the second most venomous land snake in the world. It is also definately one of the more agressive.

A number of callers had Carpet Pythons visit after the rain. Most callers were more than happy to leave them once they had been confirmed to be non venomous. A number of customers sent some great pics of their magical visitors.

The unseasonal rain in Brisbane late in August has increased vermin activity. This activity combined with the increasing temperatures can only mean an increase in snake activity. If you have a resident Carpet Python consider yourself lucky. They are great pest controllers because they don't charge, they don't use dangerous chemicals and they happily work after hours. They are also great at keeping possums off the roof and bats out of the trees. If however you resident decides to check out the inside of your house or stalk your pets please feel free to give your local snake removal specialist a call.

Enjoy the beautiful wildlife and stay safe!

SnakeCatchers.com

July 2011

July 2011 - A bit of a quiet month!

July was relatively quiet as expected. The list of snake catcher grew as licensed catchers throughout Australia signed on. The southern states still had activity with Tiger Snakes and other venomous snakes. A few Carpet Snakes were discovered in sheds and roofs.

The Cairns snake catchers had a number of call outs to remove scrub pythons. The beauty of Cairns is it's always hot up there and the snakes are found all year round. The scrub pythons can be rather huge so make sure you keep your cats and little dogs inside or in a snake proof enclosure.

Make sure you take care when burning off the wood pile during winter. Dangerous snakes are often encountered in debris and wood piles. The wood creates an ideal habitat with shelter and food. My advice would be to wear long pants, strong work boots and gloves when taking wood from the pile. As always have a first aid kit with large compression bandages and brush up on your first aid techniques.

As always thanks again and stay safe!

SnakeCatchers.com

June 2011

June 2011 - They really should be sleeping!

June was another interesting month. It was quiet as expected however there were a few stand out moments. There were several occasions where customers called for removal however after advice on how to minimise risk they were more than happy to have their new scaled friends hang around in their yard.

I received my first call from a hospital emergency department. They requested assistance in identifying a snake that had bitten a lady on the foot whilst gardening in an inner suburb of Brisbane. Luckily the snake was easy to identify as a Brown Tree Snake. Whilst they are venomous they are not regarded as particularly dangerous to a full grown adult. It was great to be able to help out.

Thanks again and stay safe!

SnakeCatchers.com

May 2011

May 2011 - Looking for a warm spot to sleep.

May was an interesting month. A few snakes had made their way inside to avoid the cold. One, a Green Tree Snake common to Brisbane,was under a fridge. Whilst i attended twice I never managed to capture the snake. A few days later it appeared and the owners noticed it near a door in the laundry and managed to coax it outside. They were clever and careful in sending a photo of it to me before they got closer to it. I was able to identify it and they were happy to let it out and have it live near the house. Its great to see people enjoying snakes when they are assured they are non venomous.

Another customer had a medium size carpet snake, also very common in Brisbane, in a tree near their chicken coup. It was sunning itself in the upper section of the tree so was not able to be caught. The customer realised that given the size of the snake it was unlikely to take his larger chickens so was more than happy for it to hang around and deal with his mice and rat problem. The chicken coup looked to be snake proof so as long as the chickens where away at night he was confident they were relatively safe. Now, that is the coolest vermin control system I have seen! :)

June should be quiet. That being said make sure you are careful if you are cleaning out the shed or moving debris from the ground. Sleeping snakes want to stay asleep and, like you and I, can be grumpy if woken early!

Thanks again and stay safe!

SnakeCatchers.com

April 2011

April 2011 - A mixed bag.

Again a number of species were encountered in April. Fresh water snake in a pool at Eaton's Hill, a northern suburb of Brisbane, and a number of green tree snakes and pythons in and around houses. Received a call for a Red Belly Black in Albany Creek however he was no where to be found.

As the months cool the snakes should become few and far between.

As always thanks again and stay safe!

SnakeCatchers.com