Catcher preaches responsible practices amid callout uptick

A “BIZARRE” summer season is largely responsible for dozens of callouts in recent months across the Greater Geelong region for snake removals, a local expert says.

Highton-based snake catcher and owner of Elapid Snake Catcher, Jay Baynes, indicated a cold, wet start to summer coupled with rising flood waters are the primary factors for the recent uptick in callouts.

“I have found over the past few months that snakes have often been displaced by way of the city’s water systems, being washed away out of their natural habitats and into areas frequented by residents,” Mr Baynes said.

“Snake sightings and callouts have also seen an increase as a whole over the past couple of years as well, mainly due to more residents being allowed to work from home and seeing snakes during the day, when they would otherwise be at work.

“There are several factors at play here, but it has certainly been a bizarre season so far I would have to say.”

The number of dedicated snake catchers and snake removalists has increased to three across the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong regions, with Mr Baynes being one of them, all of whom are utilised by Geelong’s city services department.

“As needed, we engage a professional snake catcher to investigate snake sightings in public areas and relocate to suitable habitat if necessary or install signs,” City Services acting director Rodney Thomas said.

“Snakes will often seek warm places such as concreted surfaces and dry, open areas to sunbake.

“From Lara to Connewarre and the Barwon River Reserves, we get reports of snake sightings across the municipality. We advise residents to keep their distance as snakes are particularly active over spring and summer.”

Council received 35 reported snake sightings from September 2022 until Friday, January 20 this year, including nine in December 2022 and six so far this month.

Both Mr Baynes and the City advise that if a resident comes across a snake then they should:

Keep calm and try to move away from the snake.

Stay well away from the snake and ensure children and pets also keep their distance.

Never try to touch, capture, or kill the snake.

If bitten, apply first aid and seek medical help immediately by calling 000.

Call the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186 if you need advice.

Residents can notify the City on 5272 5272, from which they will engage a snake catcher, or call a snake catcher directly.