Filming a Highly Venomous Tiger Snake + Behind the Scenes Footage

Filming a Highly Venomous Tiger Snake + Behind the Scenes Footage

Earlier this year, I relocated this large, highly venomous tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) from a farm in Tasmania, where the owners usually use a shotgun to manage snakes on their property.

On release, I filmed this impressive snake in its natural habitat, and I put together this video to debunk the common misconception in Australia that tiger snakes are aggressive and out to get you.

As I edge closer to get the shot, the snake rears up and performs a mock strike or defensive lunge, not to bite me but to warn me to keep my distance. Snakes will rear up to appear larger, and a mock strike is the snake's equivalent of a boxer throwing a feint, or fake punch, that intentionally misses or falls short of the target. Snakes do this to put their opponent on the back foot by giving the impression they are striking but without carrying the risk of personal injury by physically coming into contact with their opponent.

Let me slow down the footage and freeze the frame to reveal that this snake means no harm. You'll see, the snake has a closed mouth and pulls up just short of my equipment.

I've experienced this behaviour hundreds of times in my line of work, and I can assure you this snake had no intention of biting me throughout this encounter. If this snake really meant business, it would keep pursuing and striking until it succeeded, however this behaviour is typically reserved for acquiring prey. When snakes defend themselves, they resort to all kinds of behaviour to avoid physical confrontation, which I've explained at length in many of my other videos.

I'm aware by releasing this footage, I'm exposing myself to the usual criticism, but I believe the educational value and conservation message of this content outweigh the small amount of stress the snake experiences from my close proximity. It’s also one of the best ways I can show how defensive behaviour is often mistaken for aggression and that snakes aren't out to get you.

Should you encounter a snake and witness defensive behaviour, remember snakes don't mean you harm, nor are they being territorial; They are simply guarding their personal safety against what they perceive as a large predator.

I'll also share what I told the property owners when I removed this snake. Apart from informing them it's illegal to kill protected wildlife and they could face heavy fines, the main point I conveyed was if you are able to leave the older/ wiser snakes around, they are very effective at keeping out of your way and managing rodents.

If you remove the top predator in the area, rats and mice proliferate, attracting more snakes: potentially younger, more nervous individuals that may be quicker to resort to defensive behaviour or biting when encountered. Personally, I find the older/ wiser snakes more chilled and less inclined to bite, and I hope this footage demonstrates that.

To learn more about snake behaviour, check out my other videos covering defensive behaviour in more detail.

Thanks for watching. Stay safe, and I hope you've learned something new.

PUBLIC SAFETY WARNING: Do not interact with venomous snakes without the appropriate training, permits and expertise.