NORTHERN STAR (Lismore, Australia) 28 October 13 Reptile rescuer back on route (Rodney Stevens)
A good samaritan has donated Byron Bay snake catcher George Ellis a car to use until the end of the year.
The call went out for a vehicle to replace Mr Ellis' snakemobile last week, after his Holden Rodeo he had used for the past seven years broke down and was not worth getting fixed.
After catching reptiles in the Byron shire for the past 17 years, Mr Ellis feared he would not be able to get to callouts this summer without a car.
Last week Mr Ellis' luck changed.
On Friday a client of his from Mullumbimby came to the rescue and donated his Ford Explorer for Mr Ellis to use.
"I went to his house last week and removed a two metre brown snake," he said.
After catching the snake, his 3030th brown, Mr Ellis said he was chatting to the man's wife when she mentioned the car.
"My husband has got a car that he is selling, so maybe he can lend it to you."
"They said the community could not afford for me not to be available for them and they appreciated the work I do in the community."
Mr Ellis said he was extremely relieved to know that he could continue his work.
"It's an enormous relief because the last thing I needed at this time of the year was to be without a car."
"He is also paying for the comprehensive insurance for my duration of keeping the vehicle."
Mr Ellis said this year's snake season was one of the worst in recent years.
"It's a horrid snake season, especially for brown snakes."
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