Sole catcher averts snake danger
IT'S that time of year again, the weather is warming up and snakes are coming out of hibernation looking for a feed.
However, Dalby's only licensed snake-catcher is not even based in town.
Ivan Edney of Chinchilla Wildlife Rescue is the only licensed snake catcher that is easily accessible in the region.
Mr Edney has held his permit in Queensland since 2001 and said he wasn't surprised by the fact he was one of only a few in the region.
"No one wants to know about it - no one is interested," Mr Edney said.
"To get one (a permit) now to rescue snakes ... it's impossible with all the criteria they want. It's got out of hand."
Mr Edney holds a Damage Mitigation Permit (Removal and Relocation of Wildlife), the required licence to legally relocate snakes.
While permits are given out by the State Government - not local government - Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown admits it's not an ideal situation to be in.
Snakes have already been spotted across the region this season, and Mr Edney said red belly black snakes and king browns were common in Dalby.
"Just leave them alone and close doors and exits if it's in a room," he said.
"The best thing is to stand back and watch it. They get agitated if they can't escape."
Snake bites
Do: Call for help. Protect the person and others from further bites. Keep the person calm. Apply pressure bandage to wound. Keep the bitten limb in a position below the victim's heart level.
Don't: Cut the bite wound. Attempt to suck out venom. Apply tourniquet, ice or water. Give the person alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
