Ranger Rob - Murray District Licenced Snake Catcher

19/01/2024

Something popping up in Coolup…

Had a call out the road tonight for a large dugite/brown and some juveniles.

They were in a prime breeding position - under a shed with plenty of gaps and wild rabbits everywhere.

Unfortunately on this occasion, I couldn’t catch the snake - a helpful reminder that when you spot one, please keep eyes on it where possible (and safe) - while of course keeping your distance.

Once snakes establish a safe area like this with plenty of food, it’s a prime area to breed unfortunately.

I came out right on dusk tonight with mixed thoughts - s/he could be out hunting or could’ve taken shelter already for the night. Looks like it’s the latter.

May not reappear for a few days as snakes don’t need to feed daily - so I’ll be back in a few days to try again. As often is the case in snake catching, it might take a few goes for right time, right place.

We are well and truly into peak season now, so keep my number handy and don’t hesitate to call - if I’m not at work or out of town, I’ll be there as soon as I can.

15/01/2024

With bushfires active all around the state at the moment, particularly in the Gingin & Wanneroo areas, even if you’re not in the warning zones, now is the time to be alert for travelling snakes.

Like any animal, snakes will move fast to escape a bushfire. They’ve been part of our continent for thousands of years and know what to do.

Couple that with the excessive heat and humidity lately and you’re more likely to see a snake taking cover in your house or shed. They are cold blooded reptiles and can’t cool themselves - they need to seek artificial shade.

Right now with this heat, snakes won’t be too focused on eating. They don’t need to. They’ll be focused on taking cover.

Be particularly careful around pools, dams and water sources. Snakes are excellent swimmers and what’s a better way to cool down fast than a swim. Before your kids hop in the pool, take a moment to check the filters for any visitors.

As always, find a snake in the Murray region where you don’t want it, give me a call and if I’m available, I’ll come right over - free of charge as always.

29/12/2023

This might seem utterly mad to some people - a highly venomous eastern brown just winding his way through this lady’s legs.

But!! It shows a critical point. If you don’t harass snakes, they don’t want to bite you.

Remember. You’re a predator in their eyes. You’re much bigger and they want to escape. They don’t want to fight.

Let them go in peace - most people who get bitten are actively trying to destroy the snake.

20/12/2023

Let’s start this new page off with something interesting.

Pick the tiger snake!

You’d think the logical one…but in fact all three are tigers. People rightly assume they have the classic yellow banded pattern, but they can be pure black, bright orange, bright red, or yellow with black bands.

One of the hardest snakes to identify in the wild in reality - but their aggressive behaviour can be a give away. A tiger is more likely to try to fight than a brown.

20/12/2023

Hi, my name is Rob and I'm a Department of Parks and Wildlife accredited snake handler, based in the town of Pinjarra and servicing the greater Murray District such as Yunderup, Coolup, Dwellingup, Waroona and beyond.

I have ten years experience catching and relocating snakes on remote mine sites & have now opened myself up to serve the local community.

My service is dedicated to protecting you, your family and pets from snakes whilst also protecting these vital creatures for the ecosystem by safely & ethically capturing them and releasing them in suitable bushland away from housing and in a safe area.

My service is free, though donations for my time & upkeep of my equipment and training are greatly appreciated.

Please note, as this is not my job and I work on shift, I will not always be available. If my phone is turned off, please refer to the Shire of Murray website - https://www.murray.wa.gov.au/Service-Centre/Animals/Wildlife - for alternative services.

Please feel free to call or text me, 24/7 on 0461513886 and if I am available, I'll do my best to assist - please note, if my phone is off, I am unavailable - and if it rings out, I'll do my best to get back to you ASAP.

How you can help me...

DON'T try to catch, corner or direct the snake. Keep a close eye on it so I know where it is when I arrive.

Keep children and animals - especially dogs and cats - clear of the snake.

Don't worry about identifying the snake.

Just keep an eye on where it goes and I'll take care of the rest.

I look forward to helping you out, especially as we move into the summer months when snakes are becoming more active again.

Any general enquiries, please feel free to contact me directly through this page and I'll do my best to answer - but for a snake removal, don't message the page - please call.

Arrange for the removal of a wild animal from your property and where to report orphaned, injured or deceased animals