It was just another a normal day for Senior Aboriginal Police Officer, Charles Pollard, who was on duty in Ali Curung, located in the Northern Territory.
His role as an officer has led him to see several things over the course of nine years, but on the drive to Darwin Daly river, nothing could have prepared the Wagaan man for what he was to find.
“We were driving and there was a group of Aboriginals on the side of the road, so we pulled up next to them to see what all the fuss was about. There in front of us was a huge snake stuck with a VB beer can on its head.”
Charles said it was unusual to see the one metre long King Brown snake in the area.
“The cheeky bugger was probably thirsty and wanted something to drink, can’t blame it.”
“I’m not a silly blackfella mate - if he gets that tinnie off he’s going to be chasing after someone!”
With no wildlife services around, the officer attempted to rescue the highly venomous snake with a stick but it was thrashing around aggressively and looked likely to pounce if set free, so Charles, who is frightened of snakes returned to his vehicle.
“I’m not a silly blackfella mate - if he gets that tinnie off he’s going to be chasing after someone!”
Despite the fright, Charles said it was a day on the job to remember.
“Most of the stuff I see is sad and relates to alcohol, I guess this time it involved alcohol but was something I’ll never forget.”
“Every day is a different day and it’s a rewarding job. I get to interact with Aboriginal people, my people every day and create trust, bonds and just help out the community.”
“The snake can get in but not out due to the way the scales on the snake face. It would have entered smoothly, but when it reverses, the scales get caught,” she said.
“It does happen a bit, not every day of the week but it’s common enough to be a worry which is why we shouldn’t be leaving any cans around.”
