Day in the life of Brisbane snake catcher Lucas Perrett

Ever wondered what it’s like working with snakes? We went behind the scenes with a Brisbane snake catcher and captured the unpleasant parts of working with reptiles. WATCH THE VIDEO

Snakes devouring tree frogs, mystery eggs, pythons in a tangled mess, terrified homeowners crying out for help – this is a day in the life of a Brisbane snake catcher.

Professional snake catcher Lucas Perrett, who operates in Brisbane’s south, is on a mission to change the public perception of snakes from “frightening” to “fascinating”.

Snake catcher Lucas Perrett. Picture: Danica Clayton

Mr Perrett, who works with Reptile Rehabilitation Queensland, acknowledges while the work isn’t always glamorous, it is rewarding.

He said as a licenced snake catcher, he feels it is his responsibility to help any injured and native wildlife.

Mr Perrett invited The Courier-Mail to spend a day on the road with him as he traversed the suburbs of Brisbane catching snakes and helping homeowners.

It all started with a panicked call from Moggill where a woman was shaking in terror, fearful her dog might be next on the menu for a snake that had just devoured a green tree frog.

On arrival, Mr Perrett sprung into action, capturing the snake which decided to regurgitate its amphibian meal, leaving a half-eaten meal on the patio.

The snake decided to let go of lunch when it was caught. Picture: Danica Clayton

The captured reptile was relocated a short distance away – something Mr Perrett tries to do with all his captures. The key, he says, is not taking them too far from where they were found, while finding a new spot not disturbed by humans.

A carpet python that was injured after getting stuck in netting before being nursed back to health was released just metres from where she was found.

“As long as you stand still, she’ll move off and find a hiding spot,” he said.

“She’ll know this area because it will be part of her home range.”

Not every call Mr Perrett gets ends with a snake capture.

A panicked phone call from a man with suspicious rattling in his roof and an unusual egg took us to a home in Ipswich.

Immediately identifying the egg as a bird egg, Mr Perrett headed to the manhole to search for the potential snake. Within minutes, the reptile enthusiast shared the discovery of snake faeces, with an assurance that the snake had most likely moved on.

The snake was not happy about being caught. Picture: Danica Clayton

Brisbane hosts some of the world’s most venomous snakes, and yet in many cases, snake bite victims are more likely to die of a heart attack just from sighting the snake than from the venom, he said.

After receiving a damage mitigation permit that allows him to rehome reptiles, Mr Perrett said he feels as if he has a responsibility to help Brisbane’s unique wildlife.

“If it takes a few mice, rats, crickets and some tanks, I’m OK with that.”

You can request a rescue from Reptile Rehabilitation Queensland by calling 1300 878 903.