Drew Godfrey, a professional snake catcher from Hervey Bay, Queensland, has had a challenging seven-year career in the field, encountering several bites from snakes over time, including a notable incident where he was bitten on the side of his head. However, he recently experienced a first: a bite to the face while attempting to catch two coastal carpet pythons at once.
The snakes were hiding in the roof of a shed, and upon arriving at the property, Godfrey realised he needed to expedite the capture since the snakes were moving in opposite directions. This unusual circumstance forced him to use both arms to handle the snakes simultaneously, which meant they were less comfortable than usual during the retrieval process. In his effort to bring them down gently without causing undue stress, one snake suddenly twisted and bit him squarely on the nose. His son, who was recording the event, captured Godfrey’s immediately forgiving reaction as he remarked, “I don’t blame him,” referring to the snake.
Reflecting on the incident later, Godfrey explained that bites from snakes are typically defensive reactions. He highlighted that if people avoid harassing snakes, they are unlikely to experience bites. Godfrey reiterated that bites occur more frequently when individuals attempt to handle or kill snakes without the appropriate training.
As the owner of Hervey Bay Snake Catchers, Godfrey often receives multiple calls a day for snake relocations, especially during peak times. He expressed concern about misconceptions the public might develop from videos illustrating snake encounters, emphasising that most snakes prefer to stay away from people and are not inherently aggressive.
Each year, Australia sees around 3,000 snake bites, with an average of two fatalities, often resulting from attempts to handle snakes improperly. Many non-fatal incidents also happen when untrained individuals try to catch snakes without knowledge, leading to defensive bites. Godfrey urged the public to respect snakes, advising that if they are encountered in homes or yards, the best response is to keep a safe distance and contact a qualified snake catcher.
Godfrey dreams of a future where humans and snakes can coexist peacefully and safely, perceiving snakes merely as another part of the animal kingdom rather than threats. Overall, he advocates for understanding and respect towards these creatures, aiming to educate the community on the best practices when encountering snakes in their environments.