WITH the sudden onset of hot summer weather, snakes are on the move once again across the region.
Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carer (NTWC) Colin Wood has already had a few calls about snakes in and around Armidale and Uralla.
“Afternoons, when the snakes are warmed up and out hunting, are when we get most of our calls,” he said.
“Reptiles calls are not usually for injured animals, it’s just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Mr Wood is urging people to be patient if they have a snake in their back yard.
“Monitor it – they’re usually just passing through,” he said. “Call in the kids and pets, and wait and see.”
“Often, by the time we get to a home, the snake is long gone,” he said.
NTWC is entirely dependent on donations and run by volunteers, and cannot always answer every call. So a donation is a great help.
Mr Wood says people should call only if the snake is posing a real threat or has taken up residence in an area where it comes into contact with people. Most of all, he is asking people to not reach for the shovel.
“Most snake bites occur when people get close to them to try and kill them,” he said.
“Snakes are protected native animals and it is an offence to kill one.”
Snakes are protected in NSW. Contact Uralla/Armidale Council or Police (not 000) or Northern Tablelands carers at 1800 008 290 to contact a snake controller directly.
Breakout
Keeping snakes at bay
– Modify the habitat around buildings to make it unsuitable for snakes and their prey by:
– Keeping grass very short; and
– Removing rubbish, piles of wood and other cover, such as sheets of iron.
– If you intend creating habitat for frogs, make sure this is away from buildings, to minimise the chance of unexpected encounters with snakes.
– Get a dog or geese to warn of the presence of snakes (among other things).
– Be alert during warm weather when snakes are likely to be active.
– Use a torch and take particular care when walking at night where there might be snakes and wear shoes or boots as protection.
– Leave snakes alone to reduce risk of snakebite.
– If you do see a snake near your house, keep an eye on it to see where it goes, then call a licensed snake catcher, if necessary. The local council should have contacts for the nearest licensed snake catcher.
