Courtenay Brown speaks about working as a snake catcher on the Sunshine Coast

A Queensland mother of two is making waves in a male dominated industry as she thrives on the “fun and adrenaline”.

Courtenay Brown speaks about working as a snake catcher on the Sunshine Coast. Picture - contributed.

A Sunshine Coast mother of two is making waves in a male dominated industry as she thrives on the “fun and adrenaline”.

Courtenay Brown, 38, of Mountain Creek, is new on the snake catching scene but has years of experience identifying and handling the reptiles.

“I started ‘That Snake Lady’ as there are not many opportunities on the Coast for employment in this area, and it’s also a fairly male dominated profession, so I saw an opportunity to do offer something a bit different,” Mrs Brown said.

“I have always been fascinated by snakes. I think they are extremely beautiful, powerful and misunderstood creatures, and I hate seeing them harmed unnecessarily.

Courtenay Brown works as a snake catcher on the Sunshine Coast. Picture – contributed.

“Now that my kids are getting older, I had an opportunity to start doing something that I was passionate about and I loved the idea of working with and rescuing them.”

The wildlife handler said she was hoping to help re-educate locals.

“Snakes are just a part of life here on the Sunshine Coast, so I would love to help educate people that they are defensive animals that would much rather hide from you than hurt you,” she said.

“Even the most venomous snakes are not aggressive.

“There’s no real need to be afraid of snakes, so long as you respect their space and don’t try to touch them.”

Mrs Brown said working with animals everyday was an amazing experience.

Courtenay Brown said every day is different working as snake catcher. Picture – contributed.

“It’s always different and fun, with a little bit of adrenaline.

“I get to work with beautiful animals and help people.

“Working with snakes is a definitely a risk, however with 100 per cent focus on the animal and when handled appropriately they are somewhat predictable animals.”

Mrs Brown said her wildest rescue to date was pulling a red-bellied black snake from a set of golf clubs.

“He wasn’t happy, decided to bite and envenomate my bag on the way in.

Courtenay Brown lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband and two children. Picture – contributed.

“My favourite relocations I think are always at schools, because I love watching the excitement it gives the kids, and gets them talking about snakes in a positive way. I have removed a couple of carpet pythons from school playgrounds this summer which was good fun.”

That Snake Lady offers her service 24/7 and is available from Caloundra to Noosa and the hinterland.

“If a snake is found injured in the wild, I will happily collect and take to Australia Zoo wildlife hospital for assessment, free of charge,” she said.

Originally published as Courtenay Brown speaks about working as a snake catcher on the Sunshine Coast