Devon Meadows’ animal rescuer Nigel Williamson has been busy removing at least one snake per day from homes across Casey. By Alison Noonan
MOVE over Steve Irwin – a new snake hunter is flat out wrestling reptiles across Casey.
Animal rescuer Nigel Williamson has survived the summer tackling some of the country’s most venomous snakes at homes and properties throughout the city.
Mr Williamson said Cranbourne, Devon Meadows, the coastal villages and Narre Warren were hotspots for deadly tiger snakes and copperheads.
He said he has attended a call a day from horrified residents desperately wanting him to remove the slithering intruders from their properties.
“There are a lot of snakes around this area,” Mr Williamson said.
“Obviously snakes are a regular call out every summer but I have received more calls this year than ever before.
“I had a lady call me last week to remove a tiger snake from her property in Tooradin. When I left she told me she hoped she never saw me again. The next day she called me to remove a copperhead and a week later I was back to get rid of another tiger snake!”
Mr Williamson attributed the rise in numbers to this season’s hot, dry weather – perfect breeding conditions for snakes.
“I’ve seen some big ones this summer.
“I removed a four-and-a-half foot copperhead from a drain at a golf course in Cranbourne and a big red bellied black snake that got tangled in bird netting at a home in Pakenham.
“And it doesn’t matter where you are, snakes are present. I remove just as many from built-up residential areas as I do from rural properties,” he said.
Mr Williamson said tiger snakes and copperheads were extremely dangerous and warned residents not to capture the reptiles themselves.
“All the snakes I’ve dealt with this summer have been venomous.
“Whatever you do, do not try to capture the snake or you risk getting bitten.
“Just keep an eye on it and ring for help,” he said.
Mr Williamson said that while it was impossible to prevent snakes from visiting, it was easy to deter them breeding on residential properties.
“Nothing can prevent them coming in.
“However making sure you cut the grass low and clearing wood piles or rubbish will ensure they have nowhere to hibernate and breed,” he said.
“Always wear long trousers, gloves and a good pair of strong boots when you’re gardening so you don’t get bitten and learn how to treat a snake bite.
“Most people think it won’t happen to them. They’ve never seen a snake so they don’t worry about what to do if they do.”
Mr Williamson can be contacted 24 hours a day at Nigel’s Animal Rescue Service on 0427 533 083.
