Flaviemys purvisi
Very Well-Known Member
JULY 19 2018
By Matt Attard
Friend not foe: Stuart Johnson with a harmless carpet python - a popular choice for a pet.
IT is safe to say snakes receive something of a bad rap, striking fear into people afraid of an animal that may easily kill them.
But there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding our slithery friends – and yes, more often than not snakes are friendly.
On Monday, July 16, the globe united for World Snake Day, celebrating the 3,458-odd species of snakes known to man.
World Snake Day was created to help people learn more about the animals and how much they contribute to the world.
Stuart Johnson is the Billabong and Koala Wildlife Park’s head of reptiles and an expert in the field.
“It’s a day to celebrate these creatures and to understand these animals who are very misunderstood creatures,” he said.
“They’re a creature that can play a very important role in our ecosystem and a loving role in our houses and homes.
“These days, reptiles are becoming an interesting pet and companion animals and can be quite lovable and docile.”
He was happy to debunk several myths about snakes – like the false tip that a container of milk will attractive the animal to your home, that they can curl into a ball and roll, or that they bite humans for no reason.
“There is a bit of a reputation that snakes are out to get humans but that just isn’t the case,” he said.
“There are two reasons a snake will bite. Number one is as a food source and of course humans are too big to be considered food to them.
“The second reason is if you do something the snake doesn’t like, such as attack it or try to kill it which is commonly what happens.”
Apart from those two scenarios, Mr Johnson said a snake is not likely to attack a human and will want to get away as much as you do.
He said it is important to research before becoming a snake owner, with rules and regulations in place similar to owning a cat or a dog.
Mr Johnson said it is important to understand there are dangerous types of snakes that inhabit the Mid North Coast and although they are not out to get you, it is easy to get bitten if you are not careful.
“If you see a snake (in the wild) you need to stay really still and perhaps try and move back very slowly until it disappears,” he said.
“There ensure that pets and rubbish are kept under control. If not then that can bring in rodents which will in turn bring in the snakes as it is a food source for them.”
Mr Johnson is the author of a popular book on the reptiles, examining each of the species found in the Mid North Coast region.
His book and medical snake bite kits are available to purchase through his website, which you can visit at www.reptilesolutions.com.au.
