Steve Smartt with Monty the southern carpet python.
Camera IconSteve Smartt with Monty the southern carpet python. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson        www.communitypix.com.au d443307

Fear breeds respect in Spearwood snake catcher

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

The Spearwood resident has removed thousands of snakes from homes, gardens and sheds, been bitten twice and hospitalised once.

His hospital visit came after a death adder he caught at an Armadale property got the better of Cockburn’s ‘live action’ man.

Mr Smartt was removing the adder from a snake container when it struck him on the thumb.

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“Talk about anxiety and panic attacks. I thought it was the end of me,” he said.

He spent 24 hours in hospital but was back doing what he knows best the day he was discharged.

Mr Smartt said he was kept on his toes by the risks associated with the occupation and works hard not to let the busy nature of the job let his standards slip.

At his peak, Mr Smartt will catch 10 snakes each week.

He is on call 24 hours a day and is available on 0417 930 587.