A Noosa snake catcher inspecting a roof has made a wild discovery that is sure to make your skin crawl.
While responding to a call-out to remove a tree snake from a Tinbeerwah property, Luke Huntley did not find a single snake.
But he uncovered plenty of evidence that numerous slithering serpents have been hanging around the house.
“There were no snakes, but 32 skins,” Mr Huntley said.
“My client was pretty calm about it but he told me not to tell his wife.”
Mr Huntley collected more than three bags of snake skins from a number of species, but he reckons there were bags more.
Being 6 foot 3 inches it was hard for the Noosa snake catcher of seven years to say how many snakes had been in the roof because there were so many skins he couldn’t get to.
“There would have been five to six bags full if I had of got to them all,” he said.
It was surprisingly typical of a Queensland roof to find a number of snake skins in them but Mr Huntley said there was nothing to be alarmed about.
“Perhaps not this many skins per house, but it is very common to have a snake or three in your roof at some point, especially if you live in the bush,” he said.
“If you’re new to the area, welcome to Queensland guys.
“It’s full of snakes but don’t worry they won’t chase you or be a problem… if they are a problem and you want them gone, call a local snake catcher.”
He said the snakes had been using the 25-year-old house as a place to keep warm during the cold months.
“Most of them are tree snake and brown tree snake skins, the others are pythons,” he said.
He further explained how, just because 32 skins were found, didn’t mean there were 32 snakes.
“The skins are from all different ages, it’s not just one shedding from one snake… these are from years and years of snakes shedding up there,” he said.
With the influx of new people into Noosa, Mr Huntley said coming across snakes was a learning curve for some.
“That’s why I try and portray snakes in a positive light and try and calm people down when they encounter snakes,” he said.
“Snake sightings are part of life here… snakes adapt and learn to live around humans.
“Pythons in your roof can be good at eating rodents, but not everyone likes snakes and aren’t comfortable. If that’s the case, call your local snake catcher and we can go up and inspect, give you a report and remove any snakes if needed.”
Educating the public about snakes was a strong focus of Mr Huntley’s exciting career, but he had some other important drivers.
“I like to help people, my old job was in palliative care,” he said.
“But I’ve been passionate about snakes and reptiles for a long time and in this job I can help people and work with snakes at the same time.”
He had a final message for those who happened upon a snake.
“Don’t’ panic, keep calm and carry on,” he said.
“It’s a normal part of life to have them, but if you are concerned, call and have a chat with an experienced snake catcher.”
If you need a snake or snake skins removed from your home or property, contact Mr Huntley on 0499920290 or head to his Facebook page, Snake Catcher Noosa 24/7 Luke the Snake Catcher or www.snakecatchernoosa.com.au
