Stewy the Snake Catcher

07/09/2024

7 days into the snake season which officially started on the 1st of September, and we have already been flat out chasing and relocating snakes. Since the start of August, we have already attended 60 call outs and relocated multiple tiger snakes, eastern brown snakes, little whip snakes and red bellied black snakes.

This season, we have had some rule and regulation amendments, and the 1 major change is that we are no longer permitted to relocate blue tongue lizards. Whilst blue tongues aren’t dangerous and we always try to keep them in situ, sometimes there is a need that the non dangerous blue tongue lizard needs to be relocated because it’s in a dangerous environment where the safety of the animal can’t be guaranteed. This may be because of the lizard is at risk of being attacked by family pets or even run over by heavy machinery.

Whilst we don’t agree with some rules and regulations, they are there for a reason and must be adhered to. We are preparing an email to send to the department to see if we can get special permission to relocate any animals that may be in danger of being injured or killed. We will keep you all updated with any response we receive.

If you do encounter a snake on your property, please remain calm. Whilst snakes are venomous, snakes don’t pose a threat to you unless you interact with the snake. Snakes are more scared of you than you are of them, so by giving the snake plenty of space, you are safe.

Call us on 0413277588, or 1300 REPTILE (1300737845). We will advise you on what you need to to next and wether we need to attend or not. If you live in an area that has a free council subsidised area, we will instruct you on how to access and utelise the free service.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

As we are legally not allowed to display any animal that we relocate, here is a photo of me in action before catching a tiger snake.

When we send our email to the department, we are going to ask the question again about why we can’t post photos and videos as we feel that by posting photos and videos we can greatly improve everyone’s knowledge on snakes as we feel that we help educate the public a lot better.

At the moment the department is worried about professional snake catchers making snake catching look easy, and that people will try to copy our actions. Whilst we always let people know that we are trained professionals and our actions should never be copied, natural selection will help weed out any nuff nuffs who would rather risk their lives then hire someone who does it for a living.

Please stay safe and don’t interact with any wildlife.

02/09/2024

September is the official month of the start of snake season in Australia. As you can see from the forecast weather, the temperatures are perfect for snakes. (Perfect temperatures for snakes are between 18 degrees and 30 degrees)

September also marks the the official start of snake breeding season, and already in the past 2 weeks, we have been to multiple call outs where multiple snakes have been caught together or in close proximity to each other.

If you have a resident female snake close by, during the breeding season it’s not uncommon to find males combating for the right to mate with the female.

If you do encounter a snake on your property, remain calm and try and keep an eye on the snake from a safe distance. Try not to startle the snake, but make sure your family and pets are safe.

Call us on 0413277588, or 1300 REPTILE (1300737845) for advice and instructions.

We are available 24/7 for all Emergency Reptile Removals.

You may also want to consider snake proofing your property. Snake proofing done properly, will decrease the chances of encountering a snake on your property by up to 98%. If snake proofing is not done correctly, it simply won’t work! If you would like more information about snake proofing, or a free quote, please message the page and we will get in touch.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

01/09/2024

Media have reported to "Brace for one of the worst weather events of the year - Equivalent to Category 3 Cyclone"
We suggest you "Don't be scared, be prepared"

The BOM states on their website:
A CAT 3 Cyclone has:
- Maximum mean wind speed 118–159 km/h
- Typical strongest gust 165–224 km/h

The current weather warning at 11.04pm states
DESTRUCTIVE WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS with peak gusts of up to 130 km/h are possible from the next hour or two at coastal locations over western Victoria to the South Australian border, with this risk spreading east and reaching the Bellarine Peninsula, southeastern Melbourne suburbs, and Mornington Peninsula to Wilsons Promontory between about 1 am and 4 am Monday.

The potential for destructive gusts will be primarily in showers and thunderstorms, and most likely with the passage of the cold front.

FOR CENTRAL VICTORIA INCLUDING MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN:
DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are possible.

FOR WESTERN VICTORIA, THE GEELONG AREA, THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA, GIPPSLAND:
DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are possible about coastal areas and western districts, extending throughout Gippsland during Sunday evening.

FOR THE NORTHEAST RANGES:
DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts to 100 km/h are possible. DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS up to 130 km/h are possible from now into early Monday.

Winds will gradually ease throughout the state during the day on Monday, however at least a slight risk of damaging wind gusts will likely persist through the afternoon, particularly with showers and a few thunderstorms, in a vigorous southwesterly air stream.

Link to current warning issued at 11.04pm

For people in Central, East Gippsland, South West, North Central, West and South Gippsland, Wimmera and parts of Northern Country, North East and Mallee Forecast Districts.

01/09/2024

Wanting to wish all the dads out there a very happy Father’s Day.

We are available all day, everyday for snake removals.

It has already been a busy start to the season, and today is no different. Already 6 calls today which have been shared between our team.

If you do encounter a snake, please remain calm and give us a call on 0413277588.

We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile relocations.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

29/08/2024

https://www.9news.com.au/national/snake-catchers-warning-as-blast-of-warm-temperatures-hit-australia/b66bc0cc-69c1-461c-a0a0-80d3cf7745b0?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2cdU1F8G_bARaOtzOprf_UqkZ0e5MmMhK-KNHzBoVXjTTdDINfMo6is70_aem_ZEEHj1sVwMT8BYSEOMLZtQ

A snake catcher has warned Australians to be on the look out for snakes ahead of warmer spring weather.

27/08/2024

Snake season is here (officially starts September 1st) and there’s no better time to clean up your properties and make them snake safe. Whilst there’s no solution that works 100%, you can minimise the chances of snakes entering your property by up to 98%!

The snakes are starting to move. We have relocated over 20 in the last week.

Some handy tips on making your property snake safe for your family and pets are…

• Keeping garden beds maintained and free from weeds. Ground covering plants make an ideal spot for snakes to hide and move around your property undetected. If a snake enters your property and it has lots of cover, it can be attractive to the snake as it feels safe and can encourage the snake to hang around.

• Debris. Minimise debris like bricks, roof tiles, wood piles and other stuff that we collect over years of collecting. Try to store stuff off the ground. Snakes are very skittish creatures, and if they don’t have cover they feel vulnerable and unsafe, so they will move on quickly.

• Lawns. Keep all lawns cut and maintained regularly. Not only will it make the snake feel unsafe, but it will also make it easier to see the snake.

• Pets. If you have pets outdoors, water shouldn’t be kept close to the back door. If you do have water bowls close to the back door, snakes in search of water can be invited closer to your house. We recommend keeping a spare water bowl at the back of your property for other wildlife to utelise. Fresh water in a shady place is recommended.

• Dogs and snakes don’t mix. We are regularly attending jobs where family pets have been bitten due to having encountered a snake. Dogs will attack snakes. The snake will bite the dog while defending its self. The average vet bill is around $4000 to treat a dog for a bite. Dogs that have been bitten by a snake require urgent treatment. Dogs are very susceptible to snake bites and a large number of dogs feel the effects of snakebite extremely quickly. In most cases, If a dog doesn’t get to a vet within 15-20 mins of being bitten, the bite is fatal.
We recommend canine snake avoidance training. It will help keep your dogs safe from snakes and reduce the chances of your dog being bitten by over 90%!

• we can put you in touch with a dog trainer that we recommend. Send us a message to find out more.

• Snake proofing your property can minimise the amount of snakes entering your property by up to 98%. Snake proofing is very effective if done properly, however if it isn’t installed properly, the simple fact is that it’s useless. We have been snake proofing properties in the Western Suburbs for a number of years.
For an average size property the cost of snake proofing is considerably less than a vet bill. If you have a dog, kids or just want peace of mind while in your garden give send us a message and we will contact you to arrange a free quote.

If you do see a snake on your property, remain calm and call us on 0413277588, or 1300 REPTILE (1300737845).

We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile relocations.

Some councils have a free service for residential properties. If you contact us for snake removal and you live in one of the free service areas, we will provide you with details on how to access the service.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

26/08/2024

It’s been a busy start to this years snake season. The weather has been favourable for snakes lately and they are starting to emerge from their brumation looking for food and in search to kick off breeding season.

Sunday I attended 10 jobs, which was the busiest day so far, and the Wednesday prior I attended 7 jobs. In the last 2 weeks we have received a minimum of 2 calls for snakes every day, and so far today, we have already had 1, which was a displaced coastal carpet python that came down in a banana box (pictured).

If you do encounter a snake, it’s important that you remain calm give the snake plenty of space to escape. A snake that feels threatened is dangerous, but if you don’t approach or interfere with the snake, then there is next to no danger as snakes don’t attack you. In fact, they will go out of their way to interact with you as they are more scared of you than you are of them!

If you do encounter a snake and need it safely relocated, please call us on 0413277588 or 1300REPTILE (1300737845).
We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile relocations

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

21/08/2024

The suns out folks. And so are the snakes!

As Spring approaches our reptilian friends start to become more prominent in our surroundings. This week we have had numerous calls for snakes which have been spotted in all sorts of places absorbing our beautiful sunshine.

Snakes are ectothermic which means that they can’t regulate their body temperature so they need to come out and sit in the sun to warm themselves up. If you are walking dogs, now is the time to start walking them on a lead so that hopefully they don’t accidentally stumble across a snake.

Snakes are more scared of us than we are of them, and given the opportunity, they will flee in the opposite direction. If you do happen to encounter a snake, give it plenty of space to escape, and warn others. Make sure everyone is safe, also your pets!

If you do see a snake, please call us on 0413277588, or 1300REPTILE (1300736845).
We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile relocations.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

📸: Photo of a tiger snake taken by Murray. The snake was sitting on top of his hedge absorbing the sun. When disturbed, the snake shot down into hedge for safety.
The snake was safely relocated.

12/08/2024

With the weather warming up, the phone has already started ringing. We have already had a dozen calls in the last 3 days.

While it is winter, any day that’s sunny and over 15 degrees is enough to entice reptiles out from brumation. September is also the start of the breeding season, so things will start to ramp up, and snakes will be moving around frantically searching for a mate.

It’s not uncommon to find multiple snakes in close proximity to each other during September, October and November.

If you do happen to encounter a snake, please remain calm. Give the snake plenty of space. Snakes are more frightened of us than we are of them. They won’t chase you, and they won’t attack you unless they are provoked or they feel threatened.

Alert any other people about the snake and remove pets from the area for their safety. We also recommend keeping dogs on leads whilst you are out walking, as the snakes will be out, but they will still be a bit lethargic, making it more likely that your dog may be bitten if it approaches a snake.

Call us on 0413277588 or 1300 REPTILE (1300737845).
We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile relocations.

Please also note, some local councils have a council appointed snake catcher available that attends for free, but for that happen you must call the council direct.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

05/08/2024

Suns out, and snake season starts officially in 3 weeks. What does that mean? Nothing! Because snakes have been active right through the cooler months!

Today we got a call for an eastern brown. Yesterday had a call from a Vet asking for advice as a dog had presented showing symptoms of a snake bite. (Dog was confirmed later and was treated for a tiger snake bite and is now recovering).

We have been getting 3-4 calls for snakes per week, and with more sunshine forecast, sightings will increase. September 1 marks the start of spring and the official start of snake season and we are expecting a busy start to the season.

If you are thinking of freshening up your gardens, now is the time to do it. If you do come across a snake, remain calm, give it plenty of space and call us for further instructions.

Call us on 0413277588.

We are available 24/7 for all emergency reptile removals.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

24/07/2024

If you have lost a python in the Point Cook area, please contact us urgently at 0413277588.

10/07/2024

Winter time is our quiet time. This is the time where we have spare time to get other jobs done. Snakes are still around during the winter, however they aren’t as prevalent as in the spring and summer.

This time of year is when we recommend preparing your yards to be snake safe. Cleaning up garden beds, debris and any rubbish.

The other thing we recommend is snake proofing. Snake proofing should be done now before the start of the breeding season. If a property is snake proofed correctly, it can reduce the likelihood of snakes entering the property by up to 98%!

Get in touch with us to see what you can do to keep your family and pets safe by keeping your property snake free.

If you do see a snake, make sure you give it plenty of space whilst keeping an eye on it, then call us for further instructions.

Call 0413277588, or 1300REPTILE (1300737845).
We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile removals.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

📸: Took this photo of a cool sculpture while I was in Brisbane a few weeks ago.

02/07/2024

So last weekend I travelled to Brisbane for the first edition of this event where snake catchers from around Australia get to meet up and actually relax and have a few beers together. As we work hectic times 24/7, we don’t really get to see each other very often, and in some cases, our only communication is via phone or Facebook. It was an awesome weekend where I got to catch up with some old friends, and meet some new ones! Can’t wait for next years event, it’s going to be bigger and better!
Thank you again to Tony, Brooke and Jensen from Harrison's Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher for the hospitality and for organising the event.

What a weekend Guys. thank you all so much. Big thanks to Tony And Brooke Harrison for the Hosting of such an event. Sorry my footage was all bad, in the com...

30/06/2024

A big thank you to Tony and Brooke from Harrison's Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher for hosting an event where a group of snake catchers from all over Australia were invited to take a well deserved break from our busy schedules and catch up for a BBQ, a feed and to sit by the fire and tell a few war stories about different jobs they have attended over the years. It was an opportunity for different catchers that never have the opportunity to meet each other due to busy work schedules to have a weekend where ego’s were left at home and everyone could be themselves.

An absolutely fantastic and amazing weekend was had by everyone, and I can’t wait for the next one.

And, to top things off, the weather was absolutely beautiful. Left Melbourne on Friday morning with the temperature ditty at 4 degrees, and arrived in Brisbane to a beautiful 19 degrees. Saturday the weather was 24 degrees and today (Sunday) it was a scorching 28 degrees. Very tempted to pack everything in the car and move up here permanently, but we will wait and see what happens, 😂.

Back to Melbourne tomorrow evening where I’m sure the heater will be working overtime.

29/06/2024

Up in Queensland for the weekend with a heap of snake catchers. As 24/7 full time snake catchers we rarely get to sit down, have a few beers and talk shop as we are always busy, so it’s awesome to be able to escape for a few days in the cooler months to catch up!

04/06/2024

Fear of snakes. This is a topic that I find interesting. I try to educate people all the time that snakes aren’t scary. People are only scared of them because they are taught to be.

https://www.facebook.com/share/dmY6tvRfeQKRsvJP/?mibextid=oFDknk

26/05/2024

Snakes have quietened down over the last week or so, but we are still getting the odd call which is normal. This means that I finally have time to get things done around the house, things that I never get round to during snake season as I’m never bloody home, 😂.

This is the time of year that people should start making their properties snake proof. I often get asked what’s the best way to deter snakes from coming onto my property. Well, this is what I recommend.

Snakes are very shy creatures, scared of anything that’s bigger than them. So, snakes will always look for well sheltered places. If you have wood piles, rock piles, rubbish, dense vegetation etc, then a snake will feel more comfortable entering the area. And maybe even remaining in the area. De cluttering the area will help not only deter snakes, but make it easier for you to see a snake if it does enter.

If you live near water, (pond, creek, river etc) you have a greater chance of encountering a snake on your property. Snakes eat frogs, and is one of their main diets. This year, there have been thousands of frogs around, which means there’s lots of food for them.

Rodents are another food source for snakes. We are currently in the midst of a rodent plague at the moment, and 1 snake can control an average of 10 thousand rodents a year. (Maybe having a snake around isn’t that bad really). So if you reduce the rodents, you will reduce the snakes.

Usually, if you spot a snake on your property, it’s just passing through, heading from point A to point B, through the maze of backyards and houses. If you give the snake plenty of space, they will continue on their way. A snake will only become dangerous and defensive if they feel threatened. If you try and interact with the snake, that’s when the situation becomes dangerous. If you give the snake space, you are no threat to the snake, and it will be on its way.

Snake proofing your boundary fences. If you have gaps in your fences, snakes can easily enter your property. If you block those gaps, you minimise the chances of snakes entering. Snakes can squeeze through gaps about 1/3 their size, so snake proofing has to be perfect to be successful.

Snake mesh is what we recommend to snake proof your yards. We also recommend burying the mesh about 250mm into the ground, that way if a rodent digs a hole under the fence, it doesn’t compromise the mesh.

My team and I offer a snake proofing service, where we can come out and assess your property, and install snake mesh to help keep snakes out. If you would like to enquire about snake proofing your property, please send me a message, or email [email protected].

Please remember, just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean there are no snakes around. They are still around, but will be a bit more lethargic than usual. If you are cleaning your property, just beware of any snakes that may be sleeping.

If you do come across a snake, please call us on 0413277588, or 1300REPTILE (1300736845).
We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile removals.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

15/05/2024

Snake proof your property now to help protect your family and pets.

As the snake season is coming to a close, now is the best time to snake proof your property. Snake season will be here again before you know it, and then time will be against us. Right now we have spots available to come and snake proof your property.

If you would like a quote to snake proof your property, simply shoot us an email at [email protected], or a text message at 0413277588.

Copy this template to send to us and we will be in touch asap to organise a time to come and have a look at your property.

Snake proofing enquiry.
Name:
Phone:
Address:
Discount code:

We are offering a discount to anyone that uses the discount code: Danger Noodle.

Snakes are still active, and we urge every to care when walking dogs, especially if the suns out.

If you see a snake on your property, please call 0413277588, or 1300REPTILE (1300736845).
We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile removals.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

13/05/2024

Snake season is over, however snakes are still out and about. 5 calls today alone, and 9 snake calls last week.

Snakes will enter a dormant phase called Brumation. This is like a sort of hibernation, but there is a slight difference.

Hibernation: the condition or period of an animal or plant spending the winter in a dormant state.

Brumation: a state or condition of sluggishness, inactivity, or torpor exhibited by reptiles (such as snakes or lizards) during winter or extended periods of low temperature. This subterranean torpor is not a true hibernation … but a cold-blooded version of slowing down called brumation.

The difference between the two is when an animal hibernates, they remain in hibernation for a period of time. (Bears wil hibernate for 6 months). When a reptile enters brumation, they will still emerge on really cold days and sit in the sun. However, they won’t venture very far away from their camping spot.

We are still receiving calls for snakes daily, and will continue to receive calls right through the winter. We operate 24/7/365.

If you do see a snake, they may appear slow and sluggish, but please remember, they are still dangerously venomous, so don’t try and catch it yourself. Call a licensed professional.

Call 0413277588, or 1300REPTILE (1300737845). We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile removals.

Please also note, some councils provide a free snake removal service for residential properties (conditions apply), but for all other areas, including commercial properties and construction, fees apply.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

📸: photo sent to me for identification (eastern brown snake) which was spotted sunning its self at the back of a factory.

18/04/2024

Cold Chisel tribute show Gold Chisel playing now at @ studio 185 in Werribee.
Come down and support a great local venue. Use discount code snake at the door for discounted tickets.

Head on down for a great night.

See you all there.

10/04/2024

On set with Toadie from Neighbours.

09/04/2024

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

For the next couple of days I’m on the set of Neighbours filming on location for some upcoming episodes. And before you all ask, No, I haven’t changed careers, 😂.

The episodes are being filmed down by a river, so my job is to walk the area with the cast and crew and identify any hazard areas, and be on standby just in case anyone comes across any wildlife, in particular snakes 🐍🐍🐍!

It’s part of the reason I really love my job! No 2 jobs are ever the same, and new experiences and people are encountered on a daily basis!

The team is still on standby to attend any calls that come through while I’m unavailable, so please don’t hesitate to call if you do happen to encounter a snake.

Call 0413277588, or 1300REPTILE (1300737845).

We operate 24/7 for all emergency reptile removals.

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

08/04/2024

Only a couple of spots left. Don’t miss out.

DOG OWNERS! SNAKE PROOF NOW! DONT WAIT UNTIL ITS TOO LATE!

It does not matter how big, strong and fit your dog is. If it’s bitten by a snake it is in big trouble. Your vet bills will be significant (customers have reported anything from $1000 just to find out if your dog was bitten to $17,000 plus for log term treatment) regardless of whether your pet survives or not.

I don't like playing on people's fears however myself and the team are attending more incidents of dogs bitten by snakes than ever! We have been there when the dog dies, is already dead, on the way to the vets, died at the vets and as we all hope returning home from the vets after successful treatment.

Tiger snake and brown snake (our most common species) venom is potent enough to kill full grown adults quickly and more so dogs.

Due to this significant rise in cases we are offering dog owners 20% off snake proofing when quoting discount code dog2147.

Now the cooler weather is here the snakes are not actively moving as much but we do still attend calls 365 days of the year.

Please do not be one of the customers who snake proofs after their dog has been bitten!

If you would like a quote, please send a message to the page or 0413277588. Please include the following details….
•Name
•Phone Number
•Address
•Discount Code.

We are available 24/7365 for all emergency reptile removals.
Call 0413277588, or 1300REPTILE (1300737845).

Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.

07/04/2024

Tristan J Ross and Reece Mastin performed today at Bridge Hotel Werribee in front of a packed house. Such a great day. Awesome blokes and very humbled to call these 2 my friends.