Australians Embrace Venomous Snake Handling as Removal Demand Soars

As of November 2025, Australia's snake catching industry has seen a dramatic surge, with the number of snake catchers growing tenfold over the past decade. In the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane, the Australian Reptile Academy is running venomous snake handling courses, where participants are required to sign legal documents and learn to handle some of the world's most deadly snakes.

The rise in snake removals is largely attributed to the expansion of urban areas, which has put more people in close proximity to snake habitats. Researchers estimate that over 17,000 snakes are removed from properties in Queensland alone each year, a figure that barely scratches the surface of the nationwide problem.

While some participants are aspiring "snake bosses" seeking social media fame, many are ordinary residents looking to protect their homes and families. Instructors Christina Zdenek and Chris Hay hope to educate people on coexisting with snakes, rather than just removing them. They argue that many common backyard snakes pose little threat and can actually provide valuable pest control services.

The couple worries about the lack of oversight in the growing snake removal industry and the potential impact on relocated snakes and their habitats. They believe that with proper education, more people will learn to embrace the snakes in their neighborhoods, leading to fewer removals and a healthier balance between humans and nature.