“I was super excited …”
As an experienced employee of Illawarra Snake Catcher in Australia, Jennifer Duckitt has encountered all sorts of snakes in her line of work. She’s well-versed in the elusive nature of these creatures and understands just how tricky they can be to catch. But some snakes have a particular knack for blending into their surroundings, making them even harder to spot—and even harder to remove.
Earlier this month, Duckitt was called to a house under construction where workers had noticed a red-bellied black snake had found its way inside. Though this species is venomous, they’re generally quite timid and try to avoid humans. Still, the workers were understandably concerned, and Duckitt knew she would need to carefully assess the situation.
While investigating, Duckitt managed to take a photo that perfectly captured the snake’s incredible hiding skills. It was an unexpected moment, but one she was eager to share.
“The photo was a bit of a fluke,” Duckitt explained. “I wanted to show just how small a gap these snakes can squeeze into. A lot of the time, when I explain how tight spaces are no barrier for them, people find it hard to believe unless they see it for themselves.”
In the photo, the red-bellied black snake was wedged into a tiny crack, demonstrating just how flexible and determined snakes can be when they’re trying to find a safe hiding spot. Despite the snake’s impressive camouflage, Duckitt was able to safely remove it from the house.
Red-bellied black snakes aren’t the only ones known for their ability to contort their bodies and slip through narrow spaces. Throughout Australia, snakes of all kinds are notorious for sneaking into places where they don’t belong—be it under a door, through a small hole in a wall, or even into the engine bay of a car.
That’s where professionals like Duckitt come in. Thanks to her expertise and calm demeanor, she’s able to remove these clever snakes from homes, buildings, and other locations, ensuring that they don’t cause harm to themselves or the people around them.
Given how sneaky snakes can be, Duckitt’s skills and quick thinking are invaluable in keeping both humans and wildlife safe from potential danger. With her experience, she ensures that even the most elusive of snakes can be relocated safely—no matter how difficult the task may seem.