Snake Catcher Says Get Ready

CURRENTLY there are only three licenced snake catchers in New South Wales due to processing issues with the Office of Environment and Heritage, however the local Wildlife Aid is still able to manage snakes.

Wildlife Aid can be reached on: T: 0429 850 089.

Daryl Clayton is a snake catcher with Wildlife Aid based in Muswellbrook and services the Upper Hunter area.

He has only received a few calls last month, but is bracing himself for the breeding season ahead.

Mr Clayton said his biggest frustration is by the time he arrives at a home to catch a snake people have usually lost sight of the snake.

“People call me to say they have a snake in their backyard, but often nobody is keeping an eye on where it went, which is a big problem,” said Mr Clayton.

“If you see a snake stay a safe difference from it, it might be from inside and keep an eye on it,” he said.

“But there are simple basic rules, keep your yard mown, clean up the rubbish down the back, bird cages out the back with seed laying everywhere and that brings in mice which brings in snakes,” he said.

“I’ve often got to be fairly diplomatic when I go to places, but you can’t stress enough the importance of keeping the backyard clear,” he said.

“Don’t put your hands somewhere you can’t see what’s there, don’t step over something if you can’t see what’s on the other side, just basic rules,” he said.

“The hotter the day the more chance you have of them being around your house,” he said.

“They only like to be around 30 degrees and on a hot day they try to cool down and come onto the concrete around homes or get near water,” he said.

“If you’ve got water out for pets, keep the water away from the house,” he said.

“They like to get into the back laundry or around air conditioners,” he said.

“Around the doors, make sure you have weather strips on the doors, because they will get inside your house and don’t leave your shoes outside the door,”he said.

“And make sure you have good bandages on hand because if you are bitten you need to apply that bandage straight away then call the ambulance,” Daryl Clayton said.

• In Australian more than 90 percent admissions to hospital for snake bites occur from people trying to kill the snake.
• First aid for a snake bite is critical, the tournique (tight bandage) can contain the venom from spreading.
• Call 000 immediately if you have been bitten by a snake and remain calm.

Wildlife Aid can be reached on: T: 0429 850 089.

Related stories:

• Browns Will Suffer the Drought – October 2, 2018.
• Snake Bite Warning – January 11, 2018.
• Snakes Out in Force – October 21, 2016.