All you need to know about snakes in our Region

According to Burpengary snake catcher Leah Allen, most people get bitten when they try to corner or capture a snake.

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

“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.

Most of the call-outs received are for carpet pythons, but she also encounters her share of red-bellied black and eastern brown snakes.

“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.

Or her most interesting call-out was when she went to rescue one snake and left with three of 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’s advice for if you’re bitten by a snake. Be sure to apply first aid by starting the wrapping at the bite and working your way up to the highest limb, stay calm and call triple-0. “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.

When asked if she had 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.

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