The Australian landscape is magnificent, but it comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the most common and immediate dangers faced by homeowners, businesses, and rural residents is the unexpected discovery of a snake. With many of the world’s most venomous species native to this country, this is not a situation to take lightly or attempt to handle yourself.
It is a common misconception that dealing with a snake is a matter of simple removal. In reality, it is a complex task governed by strict wildlife protection laws, demanding a high degree of specialised skill, local knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to safety. For the protection of both people and the animal, engaging a licensed snake catcher is not just an option; it is an absolute necessity.
The Non-Negotiable Need for Safety and Expertise
When a snake is encountered on your property, the primary concern is the safety of your family, pets, and the snake itself. The difference between a peaceful resolution and a severe emergency often lies in the expertise of the person handling the situation. A licensed snake catcher possesses this critical expertise.
Australian Snake Identification is a Specialist Skill
Australia is home to a vast number of snake species, and many of the non-venomous varieties closely mimic their highly dangerous counterparts. Mistaken identity is a major risk for anyone attempting DIY removal.
A qualified professional has undergone rigorous training to accurately and instantly identify the species, even when the snake is stressed, moving quickly, or partially concealed. This rapid and accurate identification dictates the appropriate handling technique and necessary level of caution.
- Venomous vs. Non-venomous: Quick identification prevents unnecessary panic and determines the level of risk.
- Local Variations: Species appearance and temperament can vary greatly across regions.
- Juvenile Identification: Baby snakes can look very different from adults and are often responsible for defensive bites due to their inexperience.
Minimising Risk of Envenomation
The act of catching a snake is the moment of highest risk. An unlicensed or inexperienced person is far more likely to approach the situation incorrectly, leading to a defensive strike from the snake.
A licensed snake catcher utilises specific, proven tools and techniques designed to keep a safe distance while ensuring the snake is secured quickly and humanely. They are trained in anticipating a snake’s movements and understanding its defensive posture, thereby drastically reducing the chances of envenomation. Crucially, they know the appropriate first aid procedures for a snake bite and carry immediate response equipment.
Proper Handling Techniques to Protect the Animal
Snakes are a protected species in Australia. An attempt to remove a snake without training can easily result in injury to the animal, whether through careless handling or the use of inappropriate tools. The professional priority is always: public safety first, then the animal’s welfare.
Professional catchers are skilled in gently guiding, hooking, and securing the snake without causing distress or physical harm. Their training covers the ethical and humane treatment of all wildlife during capture, transportation, and subsequent release.
Understanding the Legal Imperative of Snake Removal
Beyond safety, there is a fundamental legal reason why only a professional should handle snake removal: Australian wildlife laws are stringent and universally apply to all native reptiles.
Wildlife Protection Laws in Australia
In Australia, all native reptiles, including venomous snakes, are protected under various state and territory legislation, such as the National Parks and Wildlife Act in many regions. This means that it is illegal for an unlicensed member of the public to deliberately harm, injure, kill, or relocate a native snake.
Only individuals or organisations that hold the appropriate state-issued licenses, often referred to as a Reptile Removal Licence or similar, are legally permitted to capture and relocate these animals.
Consequences of Illegal Snake Catching
Attempting to catch a snake without a licence exposes you to significant legal and financial risks. If you injure the animal, or if your actions lead to harm to a third party, you could face hefty fines or even prosecution under wildlife protection acts.
A licensed snake catcher operates entirely within the legal framework. They are required to log all captures and relocations with the relevant state authorities, ensuring that the entire process from capture to release adheres to conservation guidelines and the law.
What a Licensed Snake Catcher Actually Does
The service provided by a licensed professional extends far beyond the moment of capture. It is a comprehensive process aimed at immediate resolution and long-term prevention.
Humane Capture and Relocation Protocols
Once a snake is safely secured, the professional is responsible for its ethical relocation. Licensed snake catchers do not simply dump the animal somewhere nearby. They follow established protocols for release.
- Transport: The snake is securely contained in a purpose-built, escape-proof bag or container.
- Release Site Selection: The animal must be released into an appropriate habitat that is an adequate distance from the point of capture and away from other residential or commercial areas. The site must support the snake’s survival without immediately creating a new problem for other residents.
- Welfare Check: Before release, the catcher will assess the snake for any injuries sustained before or during the capture process.
Post-Capture Site Assessment and Prevention Advice
An often-overlooked but crucial service is the site assessment performed after the snake has been removed. A licensed snake catcher has the experience to identify why the snake was attracted to your property in the first place. They can offer practical, non-lethal advice to prevent future encounters.
This advice often includes recommendations on:
- Garden Maintenance: Removing potential shelter like piles of timber, building materials, or dense ground cover.
- Pest Control: Managing food sources such as rodents, which attract snakes.
- Exclusion Techniques: Advising on necessary modifications to fences, gates, and doorways to block entry points.
Beyond the Catch: Experience and Reliability
Choosing a licensed professional provides you with a level of assurance and infrastructure that a well-meaning but untrained individual cannot offer. This reliability is vital during a high-stress, time-sensitive incident.
Round-the-Clock Emergency Response
Snakes are not restricted by business hours; they can appear at any time of day or night, particularly during the warmer months when they are most active. Many reputable, licensed snake catcher services offer an essential 24/7 emergency response. This ensures that expert help can arrive swiftly, whether it is midday or 3 a.m.
Prompt removal is critical not only for public safety but also because the longer a snake remains on a property, the deeper it may conceal itself, making the eventual retrieval more difficult and time-consuming.
Assurance of Insurance and Qualifications
A licensed professional will also carry the necessary public liability insurance. While a snake catcher is trained to minimise risk, unforeseen accidents can happen. Having a fully insured professional protects you, the property owner, from any liability issues that may arise during the capture process.
Furthermore, a licence is a verifiable testament to the individual’s training, experience, and commitment to working within the established ethical and legal guidelines. You are engaging a proven specialist, not a hobbyist.
Conclusion
The discovery of a snake on your property is a serious matter that demands a professional, legally compliant, and humane response. Attempting to handle a snake yourself puts you, your loved ones, and the animal at unnecessary risk.
Only a licensed snake catcher possesses the highly specialised knowledge of Australian snake behaviour, the legal authority, and the necessary safety protocols to manage the situation effectively.
By choosing a professional, you are ensuring a positive outcome where public safety is paramount and the protected native wildlife is treated ethically and released back into an appropriate environment.
For peace of mind and immediate, qualified assistance, contact us at 0427775959 today to ensure any snake removal is handled safely, humanely, and legally by an experienced expert.