About Us
About Chris Williams
Chris Williams is a herpetologist with 35 years of professional experience across zoological, breeding, removal, and educational settings. He founded Urban Reptile Removal to bring the same rigorous, science-based approach to private snake catching that he’s applied throughout his career.
His background spans Taronga Zoo’s reptile department, the Australian Reptile Park, and the operation of Snake Ranch, which he purchased in 2014 and grew into Australia’s largest reptile breeding facility. In 2024, he acquired Sydney Snake Catcher, the oldest and most widely recognised business of its kind in Australia, now operating with more than 50 licensed catchers across the network.
Chris is President of the Australian Herpetological Society and a published author. In 2025, he co-authored peer-reviewed research on maternal behaviour in diamond pythons with Professor Rick Shine. His published books include:
The Snake Ranch Guide to Reptile Care (2014)
A Tribute to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia and New Zealand (2019)
Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea (2022)
Urban Reptiles (2024)
Reptiles of the Red Centre (2025)
Reptiles of the Greater Sydney Region (2026, with Tim Faulkner)
Reptiles of Melbourne (2027, with Dr Jules Farquhar)
Reptiles of Perth (2027, with Forrest He)
He is licensed under NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. His approach to snake removal is straightforward: understand the animal, handle it safely, and relocate it responsibly. He works across residential, commercial, and construction sites, and is available for presentations on snake awareness and snakebite first aid.
