REDLAND snake catcher Stewart Lalor has caught the biggest red-bellied black snake he has ever seen.
The two metre specimen came from Mt Cotton,a semi-rural area in south-east Queensland.
“Other snake catchers were also saying it was the biggest they had seen,’’ he said. “You don’t often see them this size. Usually they are more about 4 feet (1.2m).’’
Mr Lalor said many red-bellied snakes did not live long enough to grow to such a large size due to a heavy toll from cane toad poisoning.
It was found under garden boulders.
Mr Lalor said the owners saw the snake two days in a row and on the second visit he found it.
“After a bit of excavating and patience, I managed to remove it,’’ he said. “Pictures don’t do it justice. It was very healthy.
“Snakes are often just passing through. If you do find one in your home or on your property never attempt catch it yourself. Always call a licensed professional snake handler.
“Snakes are an important part of the eco-system so it is important that we respect them and learn to live among them.
“When people run into a snake, it’s just because they are crossing each other’s path.
“They don’t mean any harm. So long as you don’t go picking them up, they are pretty placid.’’
Mr Lalor said he received up to eight calls a day, which included jobs in Brisbane and Logan City. Mostly he was seeing red bellies, eastern browns, keelbacks, common tree snakes and carpet pythons.
The most common suburbs for snakes in the Redlands were Mt Cotton, Sheldon and Alexandra Hills, those area with plenty of vegetation.
Australian Veterinary Association president Robert Johnson said snakes tended to be most active at the end of the day.
“Snake bites tend to occur in the late afternoon or early evening,’’ he said. “Snakes in sheds are probably looking for mice or rats, so keeping your shed clean can help to avoid this problem. They tend to be attracted to areas where there’s a good supply of rats and mice, wood piles and piles of rubbish.’’
The red-bellied black snake is one of Australia’s most beautiful creatures.
The Australian Museum says attitudes towards these largely inoffensive snakes are slowly changing, although they are still often seen as a menace.
Adults grow to 2m, with males slightly larger than females. They feed on vertebrates including fish, tadpoles, frogs, lizards, snakes (including its own species) and mammals and bear live young.
Red-bellied snakes are shy and generally will bite only under severe molestation. If approached they will usually try to flee towards the nearest retreat, which if located behind the walker gives people the idea the snake is attacking.
Most red-bellied bite victims experience mild or negligible symptoms, although some are hospitalised. Risks to children and pets are greater, due to their smaller size. If bitten medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
