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Snake Catchers Wanted

Summer is fast approaching and after a long winter of hibernation, snakes are now on the move searching for food and mates.

By Department of Sustainability & Environment - 9th October 2006 - Back to News

Each year the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) receives many calls from people seeking information on how to keep snakes away from their homes or how to remove a snake from their property.

DSE Wildlife Officer, Trevor Whibley said that while the department can provide advice and information about snakes and how to live with them, they don’t provide a snake removal service.

"If someone wants a snake removed from their property, we refer them to a licensed snake catcher in their area."

"Licensed snake catchers are experienced in handling snakes and provide a great service to the community, however we only have a handful of licensed catchers scattered around Gippsland and demand often exceeds supply," Mr Whibley said.

To overcome this shortage, the department is inviting any interested and capable people to train to become a licensed snake catcher.

After qualifying with DSE, the licensed catchers can then operate on a fee-for-service basis.

"Applicants for the training need to have a genuine interest in the conservation and protection of snakes, a love of working outdoors and good people skills," Mr Whibley said.

There are a number of ways people can minimise snake visits to their homes and the need to call out a catcher.

"When you see a snake, it’s usually in transit, basically moving from one area to another. They don’t have home ranges, they are not territorial and they don’t hold grudges – you would be surprised at the amount of people who think they do!" Mr Whibley said.

"Our best advice is to let them be and don’t approach them. Keeping the grass very short and removing rubbish, such as piles of wood and sheets of iron, can often deter a snake from lingering around your property."

As with all native wildlife, snakes are fully protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act, so if a snake needs to be removed, call a licensed snake catcher – or train to become one!

Any person interested in becoming a snake catcher can contact Trevor Whibley at the Bairnsdale Office on 5152 0400.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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