Attempting to harm or kill snakes is
one of the major causes of snakebite
in our country. Yet some people
continue to act as if killing a snake
should bring them accolades and hero
-worship. In reality, such action only
increases risk to both the individual
and others nearby – often including
family members and loved ones - and
is completely unnecessary, especially
given the widespread availability of
professional wildlife handlers. But
despite being purportedly the ‘land of
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the reptile’, Australia has a much lower incidence of
snake bite than many other tropical or sub-tropical
nations. This is likely due to the large, conspicuous,
alert and flighty nature of many of our more
venomous elapids. Most have short, fixed fangs, and
would rather bluff than attack, unlike many
Southeast Asian, African, and South American
members of the Viperidae. The latter are responsible
for most snake bites around the world; they typically
possess long, hinged fangs and rely on camouflage
to avoid detection; staying perfectly still but
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remaining vigilant and ready to strike with lightening with hidden gems such as the Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko
speed at any offending fingers or toes which come too (Saltuarius swaini) and the Southern Angle-headed
close and are perceived as a threat. In contrast, Australia’s Dragon (Hypsilurus spinipes). Westward, the Brigalow
short-fanged, relatively inoffensive snake fauna, coupled Belt and semi-arid regions afford fantastic herping and
with access to sophisticated medical treatment and road-cruising opportunities, with a variety of endemic and
advancements in antivenom research, have led to a rare threatened reptile, bird, and mammal species to seek out.
incidence of human fatalities - usually around two per
year - even though our snakes have some of the most toxic
venoms on the planet.
While the summer snake season may at times consist of
an onslaught of calls, catches, rehabs and releases, the
winter offers valuable downtime, with dry-season access
to the biological riches of tropical Far North Queensland.
Just a stone’s throw south of Brisbane, the World Heritage
listed remnant Gondwana rainforests like Lamington
National Park provide a cooler, sub-tropical experience,
So, life as a snake catcher in Brisbane does have its perks.
Screw the beach – sand is annoying and sunburn sucks!
When I’m not busy with scaly urban incursions, there are
some incredibly diverse ecosystems to explore