Snake-catching business booming in Australia as warmer climate brings more encounters
Stuart McKenzie, the owner of Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, is having a busy season as the warmer climate in southern Queensland is leading to more encounters between humans and snakes.
With over 35 calls a day about troublesome snakes, McKenzie and his team are on the move to remove snakes from various locations, including schools, private garages, and retirement homes.
Queensland is home to about 120 snake species, two-thirds of which are venomous. As the climate warms, snakes are becoming more active earlier in the year and staying active longer into the night, leading to more run-ins with humans.
Despite the potential danger, McKenzie and his team work diligently to safely remove snakes without harming them. They use tools like metal hooks and cotton bags to relocate the snakes to more suitable habitats.
As the population in the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, deforestation is pushing snakes out of their natural habitats and into residential areas. McKenzie emphasizes the importance of coexisting with snakes, as they play a critical role in the ecosystem by keeping pests at bay.
While most encounters are without incident, fear and misinformation still persist among some residents. McKenzie works to educate the public on the importance of snakes and the proper way to handle encounters.
With a growing social media following, McKenzie showcases his snake-catching adventures online, from peaceful carpet python catches to more intense encounters with venomous snakes. Despite the challenges of the job, McKenzie finds fulfillment in his work and the opportunity to protect both snakes and humans.
As the climate continues to change, McKenzie and his team will remain on the front lines, ensuring that both snakes and humans can coexist peacefully in the Sunshine Coast.
