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Words: Scott KovacevicProducer: Bianca Mastroianni
Snake catcher warns of dangerous new trend
A Fraser Coast snake catcher is warning Wide Bay residents to stay well clear of the reptiles and not to try to handle them, saying doing so could get people killed.
Hervey Bay Snake Catchers owner Drew Godfrey made his plea after encountering a growing number of people who were taking it upon themselves to trap the snakes.
He had encountered two instances in the past week: one where someone had put a bucket over the snake and another where it was stuffed inside a pillowcase.
Drew Godfrey expertly tackles an eastern brown snake in the front yard of a Fraser Coast home.
Drew Godfrey expertly tackles an eastern brown snake in the front yard of a Fraser Coast home.
Mr Godfrey said the changing climate was another reason snakes were still making regular appearances across the Wide Bay long after summer.
Experts have even warned the floods have driven wildlife from their usual holes and a large number of rodents, a snake’s favourite prey, into homes and backyards.
Drew had simple advice for anyone who encountered a snake in their yard or on a bush walk: “stand perfectly still”.
What should you do?
This is admittedly easier said than done but snakes are perfectly harmless if you leave them alone.
“
“
Young people of today are a lot more blasé.When we were growing up there was Steve Irwin, and it was left to the professionals.
“
DREW GODFERY
DREW GODFERY
Mr Godfrey said at least 50 per cent of snake bite deaths happened when people tried to pick the reptiles up themselves.
“If they just left it alone they’d be fine.”
The remainder of the deaths came from people not taking snakes and the dangers they can pose seriously.
																																								

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/web-stories/free/daily-mercury-mackay/a-snake-catcher-warns-of-dangerous-new-trend