Former Central Coast resident Meg Welsh has set up a business offering her services for reptile relocation in Narrandera, Leeton, Griffith and surrounding areas.

Ms Welsh relocated to Leeton for her work from the Central Coast about two months ago where she was involved with animal rescue.

“I knew coming out here, country life is very different to city life and I wanted to find a way to still be involved with wildlife,” she said.

“Through my contacts on the coast, I knew the nearest snake catcher to Leeton was in Wagga, so I saw the opportunity to set up my own business.”

Ms Welsh is originally from the United Kingdom, but has lived in Australia for the past seven years.

“I’ve been busy setting everything up for the business and I am just trying to get the word out about my services,” Ms Welsh said.

“The biggest hurdle I am facing so far is people’s mindset, thinking a dead snake is a good snake.

“It is often not known that brown snakes are actually a protected species. 

“The role snakes play in the ecosystem is so important.

“No snake is going to bite you unless they are feeling threatened or cornered.

“They don’t want to waste their venom or energy, they just want to get away from you.

“Some snakes will be grumpier and more defensive than others – like people they all have different personalities.

“At the moment it is breeding season so all of the males are hunting for females.

“The other thing about country living is a lot of people have their dogs outside, so you have a higher risk of conflict between domestic pets and snakes.”

The main species of snake in the area are eastern brown snakes and red-bellied black snakes, however there are some death adders in the area as well.

“Death adders are predators, they won’t move when you go near them and they camouflage very well,” Miss Welsh said.

“When you are going out in the bush wear sensible shoes and make sure if you have any chance of being bitten by a snake you know what to do.

“This means, immediately calling for help, not moving and bandaging the arm or leg from one end to the other.”

Ms Welsh is fully licensed and happy to relocate any reptile causing an issue.

“There is not many species I haven’t worked with,” she said.

She remains the deputy head carer of the reptile section on the Central Coast and organises rescues and critical care from her new location in Leeton.

More information about Meg’s Reptile Relocation Services can be found via the business Facebook page.