Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

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

• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• GPAC’s Summer Nights series brings free outdoor movies and family fun to Gippsland community on 13, 14, 21 February and 20 March 2026
  GPAC’s Summer Nights brought families together with free outdoor movies, live entertainment, and food trucks, drawing strong community attendance and extending the series due to popular demand in Gippsland.
• Gumbuya World kicks off summer fun with Oasis Springs reopening and family-friendly GumBOOya Halloween extravaganza
  Gumbuya World reopens Oasis Springs on November 1, launching summer's splash season after GumBOOya Halloween. Families can enjoy slides, wildlife encounters, cabanas, and year-round thrills just 50 minutes from Melbourne.
• East Gippsland Water expects no summer restrictions, yet climate change makes long-term conservation vital
  East Gippsland Water predicts sufficient rainfall this summer, making restrictions unlikely, but warns climate change and future droughts mean ongoing water conservation remains essential for communities.
• East Gippsland Libraries join Big Summer Read, inspiring children to read, build literacy, and combat the ‘summer slide’
  This summer, East Gippsland Libraries join the Big Summer Read, encouraging children aged 0-18 to read, build literacy skills, earn badges, and stay engaged while combating the "summer slide."
• Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
  Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes.
• Latrobe City outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
  Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits.
• East Gippsland community invited to provide feedback on Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival foreshore location and improvements
  East Gippsland Council invites community feedback on continuing the Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival at its foreshore location, seeking ideas on layout, activities, accessibility, and improvements for future planning and safety.
• Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
  The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks.
• Thurra river bridge finally reopens after five-year delay, fueling local frustration and renewed criticism
  The Thurra River Bridge has reopened after five and a half years, prompting relief and anger, with MP Tim Bull criticising prolonged delays, economic impacts, and unfinished fire recovery projects across East Gippsland.
• David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds.