GYMPIE TIMES (Australia) 07 January 09 Snake season has catchers hooked (Jannette Parke)

It's not just Indiana Jones who's prone to Ophidiophobia.

Gympie region's veteran snake catcher and herpetologist John Keady says a fear of snakes is a very common phobia - which is why at certain times of the year he and his fellow snake catchers are kept on the hop relocating dozens of them.

And locals are noting snakes are on the move over recent days. John says the reason is the cooler weather following those sweltering last days of December.

“It's been too hot for them to venture out, so they've found a cool place to shelter in and stayed put. But now it's cooled down - we've had a bit of rain and there's rodents about - the snakes are after them,” he said.

John said following the October/November breeding season when “the males charge around doing what they do best, and the females finish laying eggs” it's time for both sexes to hunt for tucker.

Typically, September to April accounts for the most snake activity, and with the hot weather forcing postponement of their feeding time, they are extra keen to be out and about looking for food.

David Beck, located at Cooloola Cove, trained under John. Up until the hot weather caused the snakes to chill out temporarily, he was fielding several calls a week.

“Yeah, the red-belly blacks and the pythons were on the move and some good size blokes as well - one metre and more,” he said.

And while he admitted to hating snakes as a kid, he said it was a case of “evolving from an intense dislike to a respect for them”.

“It was the old dream,” he said, “I just woke up one morning and started to take an interest in snakes.”

Gympie region can also boast a female snake handler. Natalie Costello covers the Kilkivan district and also trained under John. She credits him with her snake catching technique that ensures handler and snake stay unharmed.

“I think you do have to have a natural affinity - and a knot in your gut keeps you on your toes,” Natalie said with a laugh.

In 34-years as an ambulance officer, Wayne Sachs has treated a few snakebites.

If bitten, his advice is to call immediately for help, but stay calm and rest. Don't wash the area, as the hospital will swab the bite to determine the type of snake by analysing any venom. Firmly bandage the limb (arms and legs tend to be the most common sites for bites).

A polyvalent snake antivenom is available until such time as the specific species can be identified.

However, as prevention is always the best cure, John Keady urges people to never attempt to catch, corner or kill a snake, as this is when 90 per cent of bites are inflicted.

“The trick is to leave all snakes alone and call a licensed snake catcher to relocate it for you,” he advised.

Gympie region snake catchers:

John Keady - mobile 04040 76711 or (07) 5485 1353 Yandina to Gympie.

David Beck - 5488 0916 Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay.

Natalie Costello - mob 04482 08293 or (07) 5484 1290 Kilkivan.
Snake season has catchers hooked

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