What you need to know about snakes in the Moreton Bay Region

MOST people are bitten when they try to corner or trap a snake, according to Burpengary snake catcher Leah Allen. Here’s her tips on what to do if you find one at your place.

An eastern brown snake. Picture: istock

MOST people are bitten when they try to corner or trap a snake, according to Burpengary snake catcher Leah Allen.

Leah says the reptiles are active this time of year and the best thing to do if you see one at your place is to give it space, keep your distance and call a licensed snake catcher.

“Never approach a snake — this is when they will become defensive, never attempt to remove a snake yourself — this is when most bites will happen and never corner a snake or try to trap a snake,” Leah says.

The majority of call-outs are for carpet pythons, but she also encounters red-bellied black and eastern brown snakes.

Burpengary snake catcher Leah Allen with a red-bellied black snake. Picture: Dominika Lis

“The most frightening would have to be the biggest eastern brown I ever went to … it was at least seven foot long and he was launching in the air at me,” she says.

Among her most interesting encounters are the times she has been called out for one snake and walked away with three or four.

“The most prevalent would have to be the carpet pythons. People do come across them more often than others as the others are quicker to get away,” she says.

“What I love about my job is being able to help not only the snakes but also my clients. Some people do have a big fear of snakes and to be able to help them and see they appreciate what we do is rewarding. When I first started, I had a lot of clients scared of snakes … now these are some of the people sending me videos of snakes cruising through their yards.”

Leah says if you’re bitten by a snake, apply first aid and start wrapping at the bite and work your way up to the highest limb, call triple-0 and stay calm. “Lay down — the more you move or panic the more your heart races and your blood flows quicker. You want to stay calm,” she says.

So has Leah been bitten? Only by green tree snakes and small carpet pythons. “This has only been because I am holding them and they are defending themselves,” she says.

A carpet python makes its way through the grass. Picture: AAP Photo/Josh Woning.

LEAH’S FAST FACTS

■ Most call-outs are for carpet pythons

■ Venomous snakes can climb

■ Red-bellied black snakes and eastern browns can be found in the same area and like rock retaining walls

■ Snakes can also be found in barbecues, toilets and pool skimmer boxes

■ Do not approach a snake even if you think it is harmless

■ Snake catchers relocate the reptiles to suitable bushland

Leah’s Snake Catching: 0468 907 130