GORAE’S Steve Davis has been a licensed snake catcher for two decades and never been bitten in that role  – until recently.

An injured tiger snake bit him on the finger as at a callout in Portland South. The small snake had been caught up in a garage rollerdoor and fell when it opened.

“I was squatting down talking to the homeowner and observing the snake’s injuries when it latched on to my finger. I spent the night in hospital under observation – it was just a mild envenomation.” The snake was euthanised due to its injuries.

Despite this encounter, Mr Davis says snakes get a bad rap.

“If people give them a chance to let them disappear they will. Snakes don’t like company, only when they mate.

“They’re not lying under a pot plant or log or in the garden just waiting to bite someone.

“They’re just there, doing their thing. Let the snake know your presence and it will gentry try tomorrow off.

“Generally snakes need three things to stay: shelter, food and water. Otherwise they’re just passing through.”

Mr Davis said now is a busy time for snake relocation because waterholes have dried up and they are seeking a water source.

He has relocated around 25 snakes – 20 tigers usually around 1m long – and four copperheads since early November.

Locations have included West Portland, Narrawong, Heywood, Cashmore and Cape Bridgewater.

“I’d say the season is about average. The seasons are shifting but probably in late May they’ll start wintering,” Mr Davis said.

“You might still see them in the colder months, if it’s low 20s they will come out. They actually prefer that temperature. Heat can kill them quicker than cold. When it’s cold, they’ll just shut down.”

Come spring time, snakes are ready to mate and are very active.

Tigers give birth to live young, in a litter of 15-20, usually in late summer or early autumn.

Mr Davis said stripeless tiger snakes, which are common in this region, are often mistaken for brown snakes, and copperheads are misidentified as red-bellied blacks, which aren’t usually here.

“Brown snakes aren’t found this far south. We’re mainly tigers, copperheads and the smaller white-lipped snake.”

Mr Davis said most of his work comes from referrals from council, vets and via recommendations on Facebook.

“I like snakes,” he said. “Too many people don’t, I think unfairly. They’re ostracised when they shouldn’t be. If you see a snake move to under your house, and you or I can’t fit under the house, just let it be. Give them a chance to move on.”