The warning has gone out to be wary of snakes not only as the weather warms but as the region braces for another expected deluge of rain.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of more heavy rain in central Victoria, with forecasts for up to 60mm tomorrow, Thursday and Friday. It follows torrential rain that caused flooding in large parts of Victoria two weeks ago.
Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning senior scientist Nick Clemann said floods and other wet weather events could drive snakes from their shelters in search of higher ground.
Mr Clemann had heard reports of snakes turning up in people’s homes, sheds, on top of roofs and even stranded on the top of fences, depending on an area’s topography and flood levels.
His warning comes as the DELWP reminds people to be on the lookout for snakes as they emerge from hibernation looking for sun, food and mates.
Mr Clemann said most people in rural areas knew to be alert for snakes, but people in built up areas also needed to keep an eye out when enjoying the outdoors.
“In Melbourne, for example, you get tiger snakes surprisingly close to the city because of the Yarra River,” he said.
“They are even more likely in regional areas along ‘natural features’ – and by ‘natural features’ I am not necessarily talking about pristine habitat. I am also taking about what we call ‘disturbed habitat’: backyards, golf courses and railway lines, for example.”
Snakes and humans had similar weather preferences and enjoyed warm spring days, Mr Clemann said.
They also hated the hottest part of summer days and were more likely to be out and about in the mornings and evenings when people were enjoying the outdoors.
“I would encourage people who love being outdoors to think about carrying compression bandage with them from this point in the season onward,” he said.
“It’s no good having them in the car or back at the homestead if you have to hike back with a snake bite.
“The chances of you needing it are very, very low. But it’s a bit like a seat belt. You never know when you will need it.”