Australian Snake Catchers called after snake discovery in Prestons
Australian Snake Catchers came to the rescue after a red-bellied black snake was found near playing fields where children were training in Sydney’s southwest.
Liverpool
Don't miss out on the headlines from Liverpool. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Plans lodged for childcare centre and units
- Amazing tablet offer for new NewsLocal digital subscribers
An injured red-bellied black snake is now in safe hands after it was found near a busy sporting complex in Prestons where children were training.
Australian Snake Catchers’ Sean Cade was called by local police to Ash Rd Sporting Complex on Friday night after the snake was discovered close to playing fields.
Measuring more than a metre, the snake showed evidence of eye trauma and an old neck injury, which Mr Cade believes may have been the result of human intervention.
“It looks like a bird-netting situation. It’s been caught in something at some point,” he said.
It has since received treatment and is now in Mr Cade’s care. Once it has healed, it will be released into the wild.
As snakes come out of brumation and the breeding season begins, Mr Cade advises anyone who sees a snake to stay away and call a professional snake catcher.
He said the majority of snake bites occurred when people try to hurt the reptiles.
“I’ve seen it hit with all sorts of gardening implements — shovels, rakes, sticks,” he said, adding it made his task more difficult if the snake got away.
“One, it makes my job harder trying to find where the snake is and two, it’s not happy because someone’s tried to end its life.”
Public attitudes have improved though, he said.
“It’s getting better. The public are understanding that they (snakes) need to be around, but there’s people who think good snakes are dead snakes. We’re trying to change that concept.”
The family business has been receiving weekly call-outs since 2017.
“There’s a lot more encounters because with the urban development that’s going on, they’re disturbing the snakes and reptiles,” Mr Cade said.
People who encounter a snake should keep children and pets away, and contact a professional snake catcher, he said.
Call Australian Snake Catchers on 0410761575.
IN OTHER SNAKE NEWS
