Snakes Gold Coast: Catcher Tony Harrison reveals why we are seeing so many

Employees at a Gold Coast business got more for they bargained for when they went to check on a rat trap. WATCH VIDEO OF WHAT THEY FOUND

Tony Harrison from Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher is used to finding slithering reptiles in many different places, including this encounter with a carpet python at an Ormeau property.

The unfortunate serpent was found stuck inside a rat trap, most likely attracted to the smell of a rodent for lunch.

Tony Harrison from Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher finds carpet python in a rat trap at an Ormeau property.

Mr Harrison said the Gold Coast is coming into the snake breeding season and the COVID-19 pandemic means more people than ever are encountering their slithery neighbours.

“The breeding season has started and will run until mid-October,” he said.

“It’s the only time male snakes have to mate, so they’ll be out and about.

“There’s not any more snakes than usual but more people are at home because of COVID and doing stuff in the garden.

MORE NEWS

Property searched in suspected murder of Tina Greer owned by Lone Wolf bikie

La Niña forecast to lead to wetter than average spring, drive down risk of bushfires on Gold Coast

'Complete washout' : Shock change to Gold Coast Schoolies

“Someone might pick up a wooden log in the garden that hasn’t been moved and find something they weren’t expecting.

“The more people try and clean their backyards, the more that will be found.”

Mr Harrison, who also runs reptile shows, said his business had taken a hit with most of his appointments being cancelled due to COVID-19. But the onset of spring means he is busy again.

Tony Harrison from Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher finds carpet python in a rat trap at an Ormeau property.

“Half of the business has been hit essentially, having said that we’re doing a few catches lately,” he said.

“I’ve just put someone on and between us we’ve done up to seven catches a day in the last week.”