AN INTERESTING HISS STORY
THE spirit of “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin is living on through Townsville’s very own wildlife warrior and snake catcher Jonathan Taylor.
Growing up in New South Wales, Mr Taylor’s passion for handling and protecting snakes was largely inspired by the exploits of the legendary Croc Hunter.
After almost becoming unstuck gifting his sister an eastern brown snake in a 2L Coke bottle for her birthday, he befriended a local expert who taught him the craft of identifying and handling snakes and other reptiles.
Three years ago, Mr Taylor, 23, founded the animal rescue service Reptile Hideaway.
“It came to my attention that a lot of people had these creatures entering their houses and a lot of the animals were actually ending up on the wrong side of the stick and getting hurt, or even worse, killed, for no particular reason, just because they’re a bit of a misunderstood animal,” Mr Taylor said.
“I love to get out there and catch the snakes and give (residents) a little bit of an education along the way. I want to make sure that (Steve Irwin’s) lessons weren’t lost, so that (snakes) can live and prosper just like we do.”
Beginning in late winter and running up until late-december, snake breeding season sees the normally solitary reptiles congregating in larger numbers and appearing more frequently in people’s homes.
Mr Taylor said he had his hands full, responding to an average of 10 callouts a day to capture and relocate not only snakes, but other reptiles such as goannas.
If you spot a snake in your yard, he warns against trying to kill it, just keep an eye on it until the snake catcher arrives. Non-venomous snakes are normally returned to their nearby environment and venomous snakes are relocated away from built-up areas.
To contact Reptile Hideaway, call 0449945125 or visit