Snakes alive! Out in droves

04Feb08

TWO to three snakes are found in Sunbury and Bulla backyards each week. 

Snake-catcher Per Thomsen, pictured with one of his slithery captives, said drought and expanding towns were to blame.
``I am finding this summer much busier than in previous years,'' he said.
Mr Thomsen said a lack of water and food was also contributing to the increase in snakes on the move.
Mr Thomsen said an emergency was narrowly averted last month when a Sunbury resident stood on a brown snake.
He said filling holes under fences and keeping a tidy back yard was the best way to prevent snakes from taking up residence on property.
If a snake did appear in a yard you should not approach it, Mr Thomsen said.
Last month Sunbury police called on those who saw snakes to call a registered snake catcher, the department of primary industries or the zoo.