Man bitten in Biloela as snake bites continue to surge across the state

A Central Qld man has been another victim of a snake bite, as paramedics and snake catchers advise caution.

David Voss of Gladstone Region Snake Catchers removed this python that had eaten a chicken from a chicken coop.

A Central Queensland man in his 20s has been hospitalised after being bitten by a snake.
Paramedics transported the man to Biloela Hospital after the man was bitten at a private residence at 6.07pm on March 5.
On March 6, another person was bitten and taken to Gladstone Hospital.
The incident occurred at a private residence in Foreshores at 1.15pm.
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service figures show a spike in people attending Rockhampton Hospital Emergency Department for snake bites between November 2024 to January of this year.

In Rockhampton, 50 people were treated for snake bites this season, compared to 31 people over the same 2023 to 2024 period.
Gladstone’s numbers have been more stable, with 21 people treated for the same time period compared to 20 the year beforehand.

There was also a surge at Emerald Hospital, with 16 compared to 6 in the same period.
The increase in serious snake strikes, including the eastern brown-linked death of Gladstone teenager Beau Horan, has put residents on edge but snake catcher David Voss was unsurprised to see bites across the region at an all-time high.

From huge snakes in toilets and freight train cabs to scorpions and spiders, Mr Voss has seen it all.

David Voss with a snake. Supplied: Facebook

Fortunately David has never been bitten, despite the risky nature of the work.

He provided an explanation to the seasonal surge in snake bites.

“There certainly has been a very busy summer,” he said.

“Snakes are very seasonal, so obviously during the warmer months there’s a lot more activity.

We had quite a warm winter this year, so the season started a little earlier.”

Queensland Ambulance Service Rockhampton acting operations supervisor Joseph O’Donnell said all snake bites were treated as envenomations.

“Avoid snakes – if you see a snake, leave it alone,” he said.

“We assume every snake bite is a venomous bite.

“Symptoms can vary – it can be gastro-like symptoms with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, and significant pain at the site can occur.”