Slithering heights

Sig Alan Merrick, Information Systems Division, Victoria Barracks, Sydney, gets up close and personal with his prize winning pet carpet python Blocker. Photo by Bill Cunneen, Army newspaper

By Sgt Sybelle Foxcroft

BLOCKER’S bark is worse than his bite according to the owner of the five-year-old, eight-foot-long, 5kg coastal central carpet python, Sig Alan Merrick.

Sig Merrick, Information Systems Division, Victoria Barracks, Sydney, has had a passion for reptiles since he was a young boy.

The herpetologist (reptile collector) recently entered his prize-winning carpet snake in the Wild Australia Expo, held on September 4, at the Darling Harbour Convention Centre, Sydney. Blocker came first in the semi-final and second in the final.

“I have always been fascinated with [reptiles] – their life, the way they eat, how they live, and the fact they are different to any other pet,” he said.

Sig Merrick explains that although a carpet python’s appearance can seem menacing to some, Blocker is quite placid by nature.

“Blocker is quite tolerant of humans – he has never bitten me or his previous owner,” he said.

Sig Merrick was more than pleased at the event results and said blocker’s future is promising.

“It’s like the reptile Olympics [so] I’m very happy that he came second. I will put him out to stud so he can earn a bit of money for me with hatchlings.”

For upcoming reptile events, visit the Australian Herpetological Society website at www.ahs.org.au.