'Everyone is at risk': The surprising cause of this snake catcher's injuries
While on an early morning call-out, a snake catcher sustained a bite – but not from an animal you would suspect.
Liam Bamber, based in Queensland, said he was out on a job at 7am on Tuesday and he was bitten by a dog while he was tracking down the snake on a residential property.
“Got a bit more than what I bargained for on yesterday's snake call-out,” Mr Bamber said on Facebook.
“All is well, but on yesterday's 7am snake call-out whilst finding the snake the homeowner’s dog came over and had a nibble on my arm.”
Mr Bamber, from Cardwell and Surrounds Snake Catcher, told Yahoo News Australia the snake was a non-venomous carpet python.
“When the dog comes along, first of all they could get bitten [by the snake], I could get bitten by the snake, or I could drop the snake and it could bite the homeowner,” Mr Bamber said of the importance of securing pets.
“Everyone is at risk.”
Luckily when the dog bit Mr Bamber, he had not grabbed the snake and he said his arm is fine, just bruised.
The snake catcher urged people to remember that dogs, “no matter how friendly”, needed to be locked away – not just for the snake catcher’s safety, but for the pet and owner’s safety.
The Facebook post then goes on to say he will not be entering a property if animals are not secured.
“My business is what allows me to be on call 24/7 free of charge for our local area, without being able to work I cannot provide this service,” Mr Bamber said.
“So from now on, if I attend a snake call-out and there are animals unrestrained I am going to refuse to enter the property.”
Mr Bamber said he made the post to spread awareness and encouraged people to lock their dogs up.
The comments were filled with sympathy for the snake catcher, wishing him well while his wounds healed.
“Heal soon buddy! Not good at all,” one person said in the comments.
“Glad you are okay. You provide a great service for the Cardwell community. I hope people consider your safety when the call you for help. Stay safe,” another person said.
Last year, a cavoodle puppy took on a tiger snake after watching another dog suffer multiple bites from the reptile.
Both dogs ended up at the animal hospital, with the bitten cavoodle saved by a shot of anti-venom, while the other puppy received only IV medication.
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