Up and about: Snake catcher Craig Bergman with an eastern brown on Monday, October 10.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
“Don’t go near them. Just keep your distance from them. Because a snake isn’t going to bite unless it’s provoked.”
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These are the words of veteran snake catcher Craig Bergman, who has spent the past 30 years catching snakes in the Goulburn Valley.
With the recent heavy rains and flooding, snakes are on the move, seeking higher ground, both for shelter and food.
Unfortunately this means the chance of encountering one has increased.
The Goulburn Valley is home to three main types of snake: eastern brown, tiger and red-bellied black.
Beautiful but deadly: The eastern brown is the second most venomous snake in the world and lives in the Goulburn Valley.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
All three are highly venomous, with the eastern brown listed as being the second most venomous in the world (the inland taipan — also Australian — is the most deadly).
According to Mr Bergman, snakes can be found everywhere that they can hide — be it under concrete or concealed in long grass.
Hide and snake: Snakes, such as this eastern brown, are masters of camouflage.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
They can be found in the bush or on residential properties, and even in car engines.
Mr Bergman urged caution when in an area snakes were known to inhabit.
“Always keep your eyes on the ground. People need to look where they’re walking and make as much noise as you can, especially if you’re walking through the bush,” Mr Bergman said.
Mr Bergman urged people not to try to handle or kill a snake themselves but to keep an eye on it and call a professional if it was in a suburban setting.
Caution: Craig Bergman urges members of the public not to handle any snakes they may find.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
Mr Bergman said people shouldn’t make sudden movements if they encountered a snake.
“Stand still, watch the snake,” he said.
“Generally, snakes will stand up and show a defence mode. That generally means they’re wanting you to back off, which is the best thing to do.
“Back away slowly — otherwise just stand still.”
As for snake-proofing one’s house, Mr Bergman said vermin mesh, a wire mesh perfect for keeping snakes out, would do the trick.
However, it also traps snakes that may be lurking within your property.
Mr Bergman also advised home owners to remove as many hiding spots as possible by keeping grass and gardens tidy and ensuring they could see under plants.
Keeping any properties free of mice is also essential.
However, if you do get bitten by a snake, Mr Bergman has one crucial piece of advice.
“Don't move. Just do not move,” Mr Bergman said.
“Doesn’t matter whether you think you have been or even think you may have been bitten or whatever. Just don’t move, keep still; if need be, lay down. Get help straight away.”
Proper snake pressure bandages that come with instructions are also available and can help decrease the spread of the venom and allow time for help to arrive.
Since the start of the year, Mr Bergman has caught a dozen snakes.
All snakes caught are relocated away from humans, preferably on the same day unless the snake is injured and requires medical treatment.
Location, location: An eastern brown being moved away from humans.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
As for anyone wishing to become a professional snake catcher, Mr Bergman says you must complete a venomous snake handling course, pass a police check and have a first-aid certificate before applying for a licence.
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