THEY are the thing of nightmares for some and have created chaos for Katherine poultry owners recently, but snake catcher David Reed said the reptiles were “part of life in the Territory” and that most measures to keep them away were based on old wives’ tales.
“Keeping your yard clean makes it easier to see them, but it won’t make the snakes not be there,” he said.
“Around the house, it’s a much easier life for snakes.”
Over the past three months, Mick Geritz has lost nine chickens from his Gorge Road property.
His dog was originally blamed for the deaths but, last week, he found a python caught in the chicken coop.
“As I was leaving for work, I noticed the chickens and ducks were all huddled together in one corner of the coop,” he explained.
Mr Reed said it was important to remain calm if you spotted a snake in your yard.
“The best thing to do when you see a snake is keep your distance … and they’ll move on,” he said.
“If you want it removed, keep an eye on it so you know where it is when someone does come to collect it.”
