Kiwi snake catchers train with the real thing
Jaimie Baird, Quarantine Inspector,
Nelson gets acquainted with a
non-venomous diamond python
By Jaimie Baird
Being employed to catch snakes in New Zealand, one of the few countries in the world with no snakes, may seem to have limited potential as a career option. Indeed, we don't have full-time snake catchers, but a small group of handlers is trained to deal with venomous snakes should one ever breach our biosecurity defences.
Snakes are excluded by law from entering New Zealand. There are no exceptions, which is why they are not found in zoos, research establishments or accompanying visiting entertainers.
The risk of a snake incursion is very low. Records dating back to the 1930s show that few snakes have arrived as hitch-hikers in cargo or aboard a ship or aircraft. But should a snake cross our border undetected and manage to establish here, the consequences are potentially extreme.
While anxiety about the risk to humans from venomous snakes is understandable, equally significant is the threat to small mammals and New Zealand's native bird life. Furthermore, an introduced snake could be a vector for ectoparasites or zoonoses (diseases transmittable from animals to people).
Our snake catchers are a small but diverse group of men and women on call around the clock and armed with special equipment and training.
They are scattered throughout New Zealand. Many are frontline biosecurity inspectors working at ports, airports and transitional facilities. The group also includes staff from the Department of Conservation, a privately contracted herpetologist, detector dog handlers, an investigator from the Wildlife Enforcement Group and scientists and epidemiologists from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) Investigation and Diagnostic Centres.
The snake catchers' tool bag includes snake hooks, tongs, catch bag and first-aid gear. Traps can also be used to capture snakes. The correct clothing and protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles (to protect against spitting snakes) is essential. Detector dogs trained to scent reptiles are available if required.
Training is the key to maintaining the snake catcher's skills. A basic understanding of snake biology and recognition of different behaviours, especially threatening behaviour, is essential knowledge. Detecting snakes involves recognising the correct signs. Snakes can secrete themselves in extremely small and inaccessible spaces, making safe capture very challenging. Our team must comply with animal welfare requirements and use humane methods to euthanase a captive live snake. If something goes wrong and someone is bitten, the snake catcher needs specialist first-aid skills.
Effective training requires that students learn practical handling skills with real snakes. As we have no snakes in New Zealand for practice, training takes place in Adelaide, South Australia. The principal of Living with Wildlife, Geoff Coombe, has worked with MAF since 2001 to provide training and refresher courses for our snake catchers. Geoff has also presented staff training sessions in New Zealand, minus his snake entourage. As well as being a trainer, Geoff mentors the kiwi snake catchers. He has trained more than 3,500 snake handlers using some of Australia's most venomous snakes without anyone being bitten. This is an impressive safety record that promotes participant confidence.
Kiwi snake catchers will continue to prepare for a job it is hoped they will never do. All New Zealanders play an equally important role in the system by remaining alert to the possibility of a snake in New Zealand and reporting any sightings.
For first-aid recommendations in the event of a snake bite, see Biosecurity 46:13.
- www.biosecurity.govt.nz/publications/biosecurity-magazine/2003
- Jaimie D Baird, Quarantine Inspector, MAFBNZ, Nelson, phone 03 545 7774, fax 03 545 7775, mqsnsn@maf.govt.nz
What to do if you find a snake!
Snakes do not seek out human contact. They like shelter and small confined spaces.
Don't:
- try to catch or attack the snake.
Do:
- remain calm (easy to say!)
- avoid movement if the snake is close to you
- throw a cover over the snake – use a soft item of clothing like a jacket
- contain the area to prevent escape
- stop others from approaching
- immediately telephone the disease and pest hotline on 0800 809 966 to report your find.
A trained kiwi snake catcher, using appropriate equipment and recognised safe techniques, will be available to do the job.
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Page last updated: 30 April 2008