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When we are called, we often have to be good at counselling and diagnosing non snake related or non-living objects. Quite often over the phone and by looking at a photo. Sometimes callers are distraught, panicking and or hysterical. It’s Not always a snake.

Over the years I have hundreds of calls that turn out to be everything but a snake. From PVC pipe, weed matting, rusty reinforcing mesh, rusty pipes, rope the list goes on. Eggs that are suspected to be snake eggs and turn out to be hidden easter eggs. Another very common call is for Plasticus fakeasnaka, the humble plastic toy snake.

There are some that are very lifelike in colour and scale pattern. They seem to get a dusty and weathered beaten patina when left outside for years. To a trained Snake Catcher these can be picked a mile away as a fake. Even diagnosed over the phone from a dodgy photo. Snake phobias are a very common worldwide. Phobias generally need some professional help to overcome. Often a snake catcher can reassure the caller that they are not in danger.

 https://snakecatchermelbourne.com.au/melbourne-snakes-faq/snake-on-my-property-what-to-do/

Quite often a phobia can make people see, hear and think of objects as something entirely different to what they actually are. A few memorable examples that I can remember, are a clump of bulbs that were dug up and piled into a corner only to be seen as a snake a few hours later. This photo was sent to me at 11 pm on a Friday night. I was intrigued and thought it must have been a Tiger Snake,  https://snakecatchermelbourne.com.au/melbourne-snakes-faq/snakes-of-melbourne/tiger-snake/, the large facility is in Eltham and backs onto the Diamond Creek. 

Lizards not always Snakes.

Another common call is for Blue Tongue lizards, common throughout Melbourne but not often seen. They are generally elusive but can be seen basking in the sun or searching for snails or a breeding partner. Callers often hear some rustling or a quick glimpse of a tail or as they describe a large head.