We have finally returned from our field trip / family adventure to the Flinders Ranges via Western NSW. There is not much to report on the snake front as the weather was a bit too cool for many of the cold blooded creatures out west. However we did encounter a King Brown, who looked like it had only just been hit by passing traffic, but judging from its body condition, the snakes out this way appear to be doing very well.
With all the recent rains the bird life was spectacular and we added a whole flock of species to our bird list, with the help of Michael Morcombes e guide app – priceless!
And, anyone who is lucky enough to travel this way will always see their fair share of these delightful critters. The Shingleback lizard, that is, not the small human. They are also known as bobtails, sleepy lizards, stumpy lizards or horseshoe lizards.
Now, we may not have been wrangling snakes out west this time around but we all know Craig has been training zoo keepers to handle some of the most venomous snakes in Australia to professional standard for many years. And recently, SSSAFE has been training Field Ecologists and Sport and Recreation Officers in the capture and relocation of venomous snakes. Now this can be a tricky business, however, the training methods, techniques & equipment are second to none as they afford high levels of safety, risk management. Not to mention being kind to the snakes.
As one of our trainees said “In all seriousness, this is one of the best courses I have ever attended. The presenters were outstanding (why, thankyou), the resources were quality (you better believe it!) and the practical sessions were “engaging”! (does this have something to do with the deadly snakes and spiders?)
If you feel your business has a legitimate need to control venomous snake incursions at your workplace, without having to rely on volunteers from the community to do the job, contact SSSAFE to sign up for the next competency based training program.
