Getting a handle on snakes

Until three weeks ago, Julie Hallas was terrified of snakes.

If one crossed her path, she would freeze, run the other way or grab a shovel.

“In Perth many years ago, I found a snake and I didn’t know what to do, so I called the police, ” the Geraldton office worker said.

Like many people, Ms Hallas felt the only good snake was a dead one.

That was until she faced her fears and participated in a recent snake education course, in which she learnt to identify local snakes and how to safely relocate them using a hook and bag.

“I read about the course in The Geraldton Guardian and I thought, ‘why not?’— I wanted to challenge myself, ” Ms Hallas said.

“Now, I have a better understanding of snakes and I’ve learnt some relocation techniques. I would much rather give snakes another chance and relocate them.

“I’ve impressed myself and conquered my fears.”

Before he attended the education course, retired train driver Robert Harper already had a healthy respect for the snakes entering his property by the Chapman River.

“I was born on a small farm in Perth and we had plenty of snakes, ” he said.

“It was well-known that you kill them, but over the years the attitudes have changed.

“I’ve stomped my feet to scare them and they don’t like being squirted in the face with the hose.”

Michelle Jones, of Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park, said snakes and reptiles were protected under the Wildlife and Fauna Act and it was illegal to kill them unless a person or pet was in immediate danger.

Mrs Jones said venomous and non-venomous snakes were important to the ecosystem and were usually not harmful to people.

Since completing the course, Mr Harper and Ms Hallas are keen to apply for a DPAW Regulation 17 reptile removalist’s license so they can help people relocate snakes from their property.

To register for a course on March 15, call 9926 1171.