EXPERT: George Moore handles a Chapel Island Tiger snake named “Billy Botcher”. Picture: JODIE DONNELLAN
LOCAL snake catcher George Moore says he has been “phenomenally busy” of late.
Mr Moore said snakes were being forced to seek food, water and shelter from houses by hot weather and a lack of rainfall.
“The snakes are all over the joint,” he said. “I’m getting at least 14 calls a week to remove snakes from people’s yards.
Mr Moore said snakes were more likely to be seen on days that were warm, but not overly hot.
“They don’t want to get burnt,” he said. “As soon as you get some good days they come out.
“I’ve heard lots of stories about pets getting bitten by snakes in the last month or so. It’s a lack of water in the surrounding areas.” According to Mr Moore, White Hills is popular with snakes due to new developments.
“There’s lots of bush being bulldozed and they’re coming into people’s homes looking for dog bowls and pools,” he said. “They’re having their habitat destroyed.
“And lizards and frogs are also coming into town for water and food sources.”
Mr Moore said keeping a tidy yard with short grass could help fix the problem, but in the event people spot a snake he advised them to let the snake “go on their way”.
“If people want them removed, they should call a snake catcher,” he said.
Mr Moore can be contacted on 0428 195 941.