Western Downs Snake Catcher

01/03/2024

The local snake you haven’t heard of:

My work mate sent me these photos the other day. Exactly where you would expect to find this species; up a tree.

The pale headed snake, with its gorgeous head patterns, is a highly venomous arboreal elapid that mostly feeds on lizards and frogs. As a snake without much human interaction, not many people have heard of them. And as you can see from the second photo, even if you know where to look, they’re hard to find! A very cool species found in and around Dalby, this one spotted in Kumbarilla.

Hoplocephalus bitorquatus, venomous, potentially dangerous.

Photo credit to Troy Cox.

11/02/2024

Handsome fella of the day, a young eastern brown snake. A cupboard was an interesting choice of habitat, so I released him to a much more suitable one.

pseudonaja textilis, dangerously venomous

09/02/2024

Got to send this little guy back home this afternoon. Great to see him looking so good!

Thanks to Mel from M.A.D Exotics and Reptile Care for the guidance in taking care of the poor fella!

07/01/2024

My new pet snake tried to bite me!

My coastal carpet python, Anubis, was out having some family time. This helps her get used to the young boys, and the young boys get used to her, learning gentle holding and respect for her slowly over time. As I went to take her back to her enclosure, she wrapped herself around the baby gate, then around the handrail.

Now, as a python, she is unreasonably strong. Meaning if I want to untangle her, I have to use a lot of force, which I don’t want to do. Instead, I have to slowly encourage her to move off on to my arm at her own pace.

Here’s the thing about pet snakes; they don’t “like” being handled. Mostly, they tolerate it, and different snakes will have different levels of tolerance. I could tell after about 15 minutes of trying to encourage her off the handrail that she was starting to get sick of me touching her. As I called out to my wife to say “she’s got the s***s with with me”, she launched at my face trying to give me a “piss off” bite.

Luckily for me, she missed 😅 and was then safely moved back into her enclosure so she can sit under her heat emitter, and relax being unbothered and not touched 🥰

Morelia spilota mcdowelli, non venomous, but larger specimens can give a nasty bite.

23/12/2023

Check out this gorgeous blue belly, caught at a local business. Was super chill, loved every second of it.

Pseudechis guttatus, dangerously venomous

10/12/2023

Spotted black snake at Ducklo

This highly venomous elapid, sometimes known as the blue bellied black snake, belongs to the genus Pseudechis, being closely related to the red bellied black snake, king brown snake, and rarely seen collett’s snake. It prefers woodland areas, flood plains, and dry forestry areas. Their venom toxicity rates higher on the LD50 scale than a red bellied black snake.

A case of mistaken identity for this one, as it was believed to be an eastern brown snake. It had found itself stuck down a gas well with no means to get out, making this a rescue mission as much as it was so the business could continue work. It was quite cold and wet underground, but the little blue belly still had plenty of fight in him. A snake I don’t get to see too much of, so super happy to be his catcher/rescuer.

Safely released in the adjacent forest seen behind me here.

Pseudechis guttatus, dangerously venomous, best admired from a distance.

15/10/2023

Beautiful eastern blue tongue skink ❤️

Unfortunately injured after an encounter with a dog, and off for rehabilitation with M.A.D Exotics & Reptile Care

07/10/2023

09/09/2023

Little red bellied black snake (pseudechis porphyriacus, dangerously venomous, best admired from a distance) in Dalby, first one of the season. Beautiful colours, just a young buck.

02/09/2023

FOUND!!! Missing pet snake!

Likely been missing for some time, possibly months. Message me with the size and species of snake to claim it.

After 72 hours the RSPCA will be contacted to discuss appropriate action (my permit only allows me to hold snakes for 72 hours).

04/08/2023

Snake breeding season is here, and along with it, the news stories, the fear mongering for clicks, and all of the other negative press associated with our serpentine friends.

ASIEA have released these handy Infograph’s! give them a read!

ASIEA has been a pivotal resource for me as I learned more about snakes, and continue to learn more there every day. Cannot recommend giving them a follow more!

16/07/2023

Happy world snake day!

To celebrate, I thought I’d share my oldest son, Anthony, and our pet childrens python, Kingsley!

Been very quiet on the snake catching front, as to be expected this time next of year. Spring is just around the corner! I can’t wait!

29/05/2023

Stopped in at Country Kids Family Day Care, Dalby, so the kids could see and have their first interaction with a snake. My baby pet python came with me, and all of the kids were fascinated by her. Some were a bit nervous and skittish, others were beaming with confidence and wanting to hold her.

It’s important to start snake education early in life, and help kids understand that snakes aren’t monsters out to hurt you, they’re just animals trying to survive like anyone else. Education is the first step to living safely amongst these beautiful animals.

27/05/2023

It’s the quiet season for snakes, but they’re still around! This small red bellied black snake found itself lost in the loading bay of a local shop in the main street 🐍

30/04/2023

Hello all, and welcome to the Western Downs Snake Catcher’s official page!

My name is Jackson, and I’m a Dalby based snake catcher servicing Dalby, Jandowae, Jimbour, Bell, Chinchilla, Miles, Wandoan, Condamine, Kogan, Tara, Warra, Brigalow, Quinalow, Maclagan, Cecil Plains, and everywhere in between.

I offer snake and reptile relocation services, roof inspections (only required if you believe there is a snake in your roof), and educational snake shows (ideal for schools, and businesses with foreign workers and frequent snake encounters).

Free services I offer are snake identification (photo and location required), and general snake advice.

Feel free to message me here on Facebook or call/text me on 0419 821 373 for any inquiries.

Thanks, Jackson 🐍