RANGES TRADER MAIL (Australia) 26 February 08 Evening up the scales (Tania Martin)
Yarra Ranges wildlife wrangler Michael Alexander is trying to change the perception that snakes are dangerous.
Mr Alexander of Wandin North said too many snakes had been killed or severely injured in the past 40 years.
“Forty years ago you would see a couple of snakes a week in Silvan and now there are none because everyone kills them and their habitat,” he said.
Mr Alexander said killing snakes was illegal and is now calling for people to stop the needless killing.
“They don’t need to be killed – just call us and we will come and remove them,” he said.
Mr Alexander runs a snake removal and reptile education business and is always trying to teach people that they don’t have to be afraid of snakes and other animals.
Since he was a small child, Mr Alexander has had a passion for reptiles.
He has travelled the world working as a reptile expert and is now trying to educate Australians on the importance of snakes.
Mr Alexander said something needed to be done to change perceptions before snakes become extinct.
He said there is no need to kill a snake as in most cases they won’t bite people if left alone.
Mr Alexander is also working to dispel many myths that portray snakes and other reptiles as evil and nasty.
He said the myth that snakes chase people was totally fabricated.
“When threatened snakes may lunge forward for a small distance but never actually chase anyone beyond a few meters,” Mr Alexander said. Mr Alexander takes his snake and reptile show to schools and even does birthday parties in a bid to teach children the right way to treat animals.
“We want to show kids not to be scared of snakes and reptiles – that there is nothing to be afraid of,” he said.
“We love these animals and hopefully we can change people’s minds about them.”
Mr Alexander not only teaches children and adults about snakes but also other animals such as geckos, baby lizards, frogs, spiders, scorpions, insects and crocodiles.
Anyone who needs a snake removed or wants to learn more about the reptiles should call Mr Alexander on 0432 143 228.
Evening up the scales