Fangtastic Reptile Services

20/12/2024

So over the Christmas hols, please stay safe.

I have not been able to gather any significant data on where is more or less of a risk of a snake passing though so I cannot say even that proprieties deeper in towns are more safe than ones on the edge as it seems if a snakes decides to move, it will go wherever it wants and obstacles like human housing doesn't seem to be a barrier. If they can get in under any boundary fence, they will if they are moving by so good fences for properties the border creeks or grasslands is wise. This may only protect your back fence, however, if your neighbours don't also have good protection and often, snakes slip in via the property next door and then through holes in side fences. Once in, they find it much harder to get out and as they are able to hide so effectively, it could be weeks before it is actually noticed and able to be removed. Unfortunately, there is not much anyone can do about all the possible entry points a snake can get into a yard and I have seen some of the most expensive boundary protection with a snake trapped inside without any real way of knowing how it got in. People can, and are, doing their absolute best but the volume of movement this season has out stripped the last 3 years so though the snakes do not want to be near humans, they do get caught up in bad situations as they disperse.

I can see why some would charge for snake removal as attending to reptiles that have left or are not being watched takes time but personally, I am always willing to go to any snake concern rather than have people left feeling unsupported or unsure of the situation. It can really screw up a day if a snake is seen but then disappears as there is the constant feeling of dread that can last a while and people have better things to concentrate on.

There may not be that many handlers available all the time to assist with snake issues but hopefully we can prevent any serious injury or harm to the reptile or humans by having enough options available.

To everyone who has supported and donated to Fangtastic, I thanj you enormously and wish everyone a wonderful and safe Xmas and new year.

18/12/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mP3FxDz6npxmJvgS/?mibextid=oFDknk

🐍Snakes Alive is returning to the Gardens this summer!

This week-long exhibition showcases a variety of Australian reptiles and amphibians - many of which are threatened, endangered and rarely seen in the wild or in captivity. Get up close and enjoy live displays, feeding and handling of snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles and crocodiles while learning more about these fascinating animals.🦎

Snakes Alive! is presented by the ACT Herpetological Association (ACTHA) in partnership with the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

📅: Mon 13 Jan to Sun 19 Jan 2025
Mornings: 10am to 11am | 11.30am to 12.30pm
Afternoons: 1pm to 2pm | 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Cost: Adult $9, Concession $8, Child $7
Book now: https://brnw.ch/21wPtU8

👂🏻A low sensory session is available for 40-minute pre-booked sessions at 9am on Tuesday, 14 January and Saturday, 18 January 2025

Sensory sessions cost: Adult $7, concession $6, and child $5
Sensory sessions booking link: https://brnw.ch/21wPtU9
All children must be accompanied by an adult.

11/12/2024

This image has been going around facebook and though yes, snakes do get under doors, this is a doctored creation of a snake so is not real. Not only that, this is not even a door. It seems no one bothered to fact check the image and it has been picked up and published by 9 news.

This is the problem with popularising something just for profit but venomous snakes are too deadly to be used for likes.

10/12/2024

I am actually getting quite fond of AI these days and just how well it twist up a request to perfection!

05/12/2024

There is no insurance on a snake bite!

If the worst case scenario happened and you were bitten by a venomous elapid, you can be confident that the public health system will be there to attend to you medically and that is all free. It does need to be pointed out that most snake bite envenomations are not necessarily a short hospital stay and one could be unable to leave for up to 2 weeks. You may lose time from work and if organ damage or eyesight is affected, that could potentially be permanent.

The system has been created so that licenced professionals are available that have the training and skill to assist the safe rescue and relocation of a snake so no one else has to put themselves at risk. Some have done a course allowing them to safely manage snakes on their own properties but this does not legally allow them to rescue snakes for others. Professionals are required to have negligence insurance so if something goes wrong due to inappropriate practice, no one will be out of pocket.

Not all snake rescuers are free but it is still cheaper than a potential court case where livelihoods can be affected.

03/12/2024

I just saw a post on how someone cleared their land partially because of snake risk. Please know that taking away scrub or bush does not decrease snake activity. A snake will go wherever it wants, whenever it wants and from what I have seen this season, they are bold enough to move around bare paddocks without concern. I think the idea of clearing under bushes and keeping the grass low was created by snake catchers who would go to a rescue but couldn't find the snake. Having grass or bushes or not having bushes or having a messy yard or a clean yard makes no difference to the snake as if it is clear and it requires shelter, it will find somewhere nearer to a house or shed and if confronted in the open, it doesn't have as many options to hide.

We cannot change the environment enough to prevent elapids moving around it so wearing appropriate footwear and clothing if out on a property and carrying a bandage and mobile phone is the best precaution.

28/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/WBMjg2mG2HCogxCQ/?mibextid=oFDknk

Tragically today news has come out that a 16 year old boy, Beau Horan, in Gladstone QLD was bitten by an Eastern Brown Snake on Monday and sadly passed away yesterday when his life support was turned off.

Most often when people get bitten by snakes it’s because the person was doing something silly with the snake, but in this case Beau was bitten on the foot and wasn’t aware that he had even been bitten.

Something that people might be surprised to learn is that Eastern Brown Snake bites are painless and there have been cases when people have been bitten but thought it was just a scratch from a stick. Consequently the person brushes it off and keeps walking along completely unaware of the situation.
Brown Snake venom can take effect very quickly so before long the bitten person begins to feel unwell and collapses. This seems to be what has happened in this particular incident.

Now, it’s no secret that I love snakes and I’m forever trying to show people that they don’t need to be afraid of them. Snakes don’t want to hurt us, they aren’t aggressive or malicious, but in the case of Eastern Brown Snakes, they are highly defensive and extremely nervous around people and will bite repeatedly if they feel threatened. For this reason they should always be treated with the utmost respect.

Some tips to avoid being bitten by Australian venomous snakes:
- Always leave snakes alone. Do not attempt to catch, kill or interfere with a snake in any way.
- Wear enclosed shoes and trousers when in the outdoors.
- Wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt when gardening
- when out in the garden, or in the bush, do not put your hands (or feet) where you can’t see them.
- Always stick to clear paths so you can see where you are stepping.

My heart goes out to this poor family who have lost their son and their brother.
As a person who loves snakes and reptiles it’s always hard to know what to say when a person is killed by a snake bite through no fault of their own.
To Beau’s family, I am truly sorry and I send all my love to you.

Troy.

28/11/2024

Temperatures are ideal reptile movement.

Snakes are moving about and for reasons that cannot always be determined but with overnight temps getting comfortable over 10 degrees, activity may change.

Because of the warmth and the longer day length, our reptiles will take every opportunity to move around as much as they can but because of the higher overnight temperatures, they will be able to move further without risk of environmental stress. So, instead of needing serious shelter of a hole, they are able to comfortably hang out above ground under bushes, grass of less strict hides.

Remember that our snakes cannot see at night unless there is enough moonlight or there is sufficient artificial light for them to navigate their surroundings successfully. Though our nights are shorter until just before Xmas, we may leave our outside lights on for a variety of reasons but that may not always be a good idea, especially near doorways.

We may not be able to get to every snake that needs relocating but we will try.

23/11/2024

Fangtastic will be available for rescues from 4.30pm Sat for the evening if needed.

22/11/2024

With great regret, Fangtastic Reptile Services will be unavailable for snake rescues for today, 23rd November 2024. For any urgent snake concerns, please call Wildcare on 62991966.

We will be back on board Sunday onwards as usual but sometimes there are things that cannot be avoided that prevent availability and thanks to the community for understanding.

21/11/2024

This sounds suspicious. If a snake has trouble getting into a car, why the $ #&! would it want to get in a plane? It could only have been carried in and would not believe it could get from the cargo area to the cabin so it would have to have been carried on board.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/W1FgtTcDJxfrG3iP/?mibextid=MurMbi

18/11/2024

This is very interesting and could be a positive thing for bites in the black snake family. I still suffer nerve and muscle damage from an RBB bite and though antivenom is there to treat the life threatening effects of a bite, if it is not immediately necessary, there is nothing else for potenial cytotoxic damage.

This looks like a very positive development.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/S9CXGdEZ8MwmaZ8c/?mibextid=oFDknk

Scientists have created the first effective treatment for spitting cobra bites:

Scientists discovered a potential breakthrough in treating spitting cobra bites, whose cytotoxic venom causes severe tissue damage and often necessitates amputations.

Unlike standard antivenom, which is ineffective against this type of venom, the repurposed drug varespladib has shown promising results in reducing tissue damage and muscle toxicity.

The study revealed that two toxins in the venom work together to cause extensive damage, and inhibiting one with varespladib significantly reduced the effects, even up to an hour after the bite. This discovery is particularly significant because varespladib has already undergone human clinical trials, making it potentially available for real-world use soon, offering hope for both African residents and travelers. Spitting cobra bites are a nightmare scenario due to the unique properties of their venom. This isn't your average cobra bite; their venom is cytotoxic, meaning it immediately starts to destroy tissue cells upon contact. This leads to excruciating pain, rapid swelling, and ultimately, tissue death or necrosis. In severe cases, amputation becomes the only option to prevent further spread of the damage. But the horror doesn't stop there. Spitting cobras have the unnerving ability to accurately project their venom towards the eyes, causing temporary blindness and potentially permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. The venom itself is a complex cocktail of toxins, not just causing localized tissue destruction, but also triggering systemic effects like muscle weakness, respiratory distress, and even death in extreme cases.

18/11/2024

So many ask where do I release the snakes I rescue.

Because the volume of snakes has been constant in the last few weeks, I am out quite a bit. A proportion of that time is on doing what is best for the reptile and finding suitable places to release them back into the wild.

I did have removable car magnets but after one was stolen, I decided car decals were more appropriate but with the problem of them being permanent and there isn't really a good way to hide when I am.pulled over somewhere for releasing. Because of this, I want the community to know that wherever I may be has been assessed very carefully for the welfare of the snake as well as ensuring the reptile is far enough away from housing and other possible risks to humans. I will avoid releasing near horses or cattle but due to population growth, it is getting harder to find suitable release locations where someone won't notice.

So I.just request that if you do see me pulled over, please know that the location has been selected carefully and every effort is being taken to ensure the snake is released somewhere it will hopefully never have human contact again.

Thanks all and stay safe

18/11/2024

Wildcare are doing their annual snake training course.

A few things may need to be noted for this including that anyone considering snake handling does need to weigh up the risks of the consequences of a potential bite.

Some think that it is possible to make a living off snake handling and it needs to be made very clear it is not something that can attract enough income to live on on its own.

Palerang does need more handlers to ensure every snake call is attended to but discuss it with family and weigh up the risks carefully.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ZKU76P63nQSLpUs2/?mibextid=oFDknk

Do you have a keen interested in our native slithery friends? 🐍

Join our one day snake rescue course and learn how to rescue, release and so much more about these misunderstood reptiles.

You'll learn about snake identification, first aid, snake handling techniques, and methods to reduce snake interactions around the home. Furthering an appreciation and understanding of snake behaviour.

🐍 Snake Rescue Course 23 or 24 Nov https://www.trybooking.com/CWLXK
🐍 Snake Rescue Course 30 Nov or 1 Dec https://www.trybooking.com/CWLYD

➡️ Join Wildcare wildcare.com.au

17/11/2024

Turtle alert!

Just an FYI that Fangtastic can rescue any reptile, not just snakes and when we get sudden and heavy downpours over summer and it is warm enough, turtles will go walking. Often across a road. The more drivers are aware of the potential of wildlife on the road, the more chance of that animal surviving but there are things that can help.

When driving, remember that the front driver's side tyres do not sit in line with the driver but are more lined to just right of the driver. This means that a turtle can often be avoided if one can be aware of where the tyres are on the car. Turtles may be walking across a road wirh their head up but will suck back into the shell if they sense danger so if there is no alternative, trying to slow and lining the car up so it goes straight under and away from the tyres can work. Sometimes a car is very low to the road and the turtle can suffer neck injuries if they don't get their head in fast enough but any turtle on the road, even if you miss it, is likely to get clobbered by another car so if possible and safe, pull over and give it a hand getting to the other side of the road.

In Palerang, we have some of the highest volumes of wildlife in the country and it is possible that they don't have to perish on our roads if drivers are aware and slow down a notch.

10/11/2024

I missed two calls today. Because no voice message was left for those calls, I did not follow up. All phone numbers are at risk of spam so if a message is not left, a request for a rescue may be missed as other platforms are secondary to the phone. I am sorry for not not being able to assist today and hope everyone is OK and got some help (hopefully from Wildcare).

04/11/2024

Spring is mating season for all animals and reptiles have a shorter opportunity to get it all done. Females go on heat and where ever they slither, they lay a scent trail which then the boys follow (a little like an echidna train). The girl then decides who she likes best and the two hole up for up to a month or more. Eastern browns lay eggs unlike the tigers and blacks and the females will then stay in a 'nest' for several months until she lays her eggs. She will stay with the eggs until hatched and then leave. Live breeding snakes do not have to find nesting sites and can drop babies just about anywhere so the egg laying browns are a little more of a concern if a female is nesting near people. I have been close to what I believe have been female nests but have not yet seen an egg so they pick their nest sites very carefully and luckily, often away from humans. The other common reason why a snake may be hanging around a hole is for shedding and as the elapids are emerging and warming up, many are having their first shed of the season. They find somewhere safe but not as specific as for nesting and will hang around a hole for about a month. Once they shed their skin, they will leave as the risks that come with not being able to see when the scales are covering the eyes are no longer an issue they are free to go find food or a mate. All species do this so there is a definite difference with a brown snake hanging around a hole and it may need a potentially more urgent approach.

30/10/2024

Our snakes aren't this fast but it still only takes a second and there may be antivenom but there is no way to go back from a bite.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Q2M4WSdxeygFZ6M7/?mibextid=oFDknk