ROUSE HILL TIMES (Australia) 13 November 13 Vineyard snake catcher warns residents not to provoke snakes (Lawrence Machado)

Expect to see more snakes as summer approaches.

That is the warning snake catcher Rob Ambrose has delivered to north west residents, following the death of a dog in Quakers Hill from an eastern brown snake bite on Friday.

Mr Ambrose has urged residents to be careful and not provoke snakes, as it was unusual they would attack unless cornered or threatened.

Mr Ambrose, 39, said he had already been busy attending calls at least once a day.

"Pet cats and dogs often attack the snakes and it's never the other way round," he said.

"Snakes are never the aggressor.

"Snakes play a vital role in the eco-system, getting rid of rodents in the area."

He said the reason for the increased number of snake sightings was because it was the reproductive season during spring and early summer and the recent bush fires had also brought them out to the open.

Mr Ambrose, of Vineyard, has been a snake catcher for several years and is also attached to the Sydney Snake Catcher organisation.

Once he captures the snakes, he releases them back into the wild. The largest snakes he has caught this year are a 2m brown snake, and a 2.5 metre female diamond python in Kenthurst.

"However, the brown snake, which is the most dangerous species in Sydney, has reported more in The Hills with the biggest I have caught being 1.8 metres in length," he said.

"If you see a snake in the garden, one vital piece of information is that you should avoid them as the snake should be left alone.

"It's also good if you can take a photograph of the snake and send it to us or the wildlife officials so we can identify them."

Mr Ambrose also looks after injured wildlife in his home, including birds and possums.

● Snake Catcher Sydney is open 24/7, charges a call-out fee and also educates residents about ways of snake-proofing their homes.

Details: 1300 599 938

Snake Facts

● In Australia there are about 3000 snake bites a year

● Australia is home to 140 different species of snakes, with 70 per cent being venomous

● If you see a snake, don't panic

● If possible take a picture of the snake

● Don't attempt to capture it or get close to it and phone a snake catcher if you can
Vineyard snake catcher warns residents not to provoke snakes

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