A four foot long red-bellied black snake “as thick as a sausage roll” has found a new home in Meadowvale scrub after being relocated from the Bundaberg CBD today.
The snake was spotted in a garden bed outside Alowishus and Street Bean Cafe just before 1pm, quickly capturing the attention of Bundaberg Regional Council's Animal Control team and police officers.
After the area was cordoned off to the public, Council's zoo curator and snake whisperer David Flack was called in to safely remove the reptile.
“It was as thick as a sausage roll,” he said.
“The snake was relatively calm, it was trying to keep away from the crowd of onlookers in the garden and would retract itself under the hedges when it sensed movement.”
It's not the first time David has handled snakes, with the local zookeeper looking after the reptiles every day at Alexandra Park Zoo.
The Council officer holds the required Department of Environment and Science (DES) permit to relocate snakes.
“The biggest snake I have ever caught is a 2.7 metre long carpet python,” he said.
David said he was able to safely move the red-bellied black snake from its garden hideout into a bag and then headed for Meadowvale for its relocation.
“The snake was relocated to Meadowvale Nature Park down near the creek as this species’ favourite food is frogs, as well as reptiles and small mammals,” he said.
“Snakes are still out and about this time of year, but will soon start making themselves scarce as the nights continue to get cooler.
“It’s important to note that snakes in this part of the world do not hibernate but undergo a reduced state of activity called torpor during the cooler months, and this means they can still be observed out and about on warm, sunny days during winter.”
David said for those who came across a snake, staying away was the safest option for all.
“It is important not to try to catch or kill a snake yourself as you are putting yourself at significant risk of being bitten, the result of which can be significant injury or death,” he said.
“Call a licensed snake catcher to remove the snake for you and keep yourself and your family safe.”
While this afternoon's antics were certainly exciting, David said overall he was happy to have been able help out the community.
“It was great to be able to serve the community and assist with removing the snake and removing the risk of someone getting bitten,” he said.
“It’s also great to know that such a magnificent animal will live to see another day.”
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