Sunny days have seen central Victorian snakes begin to emerge from their winter hibernation.
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Bendigo snake catcher Chris Page can be called to up to 15 snakes a day during the busy period between October and February.
Eastern Brown and Red Bellied Black snakes make up the bulk of Mr Page’s business, with an occasional Tiger Snake or Copperhead thrown in.
Mr Page finds people in all sorts of states when he arrives at jobs. Some can be in a panic, some completely calm.
He advises anyone who sees a snake to stop, and walk backwards away from the snake, keeping an eye on it. At a safe distance they should call a snake catcher.
Pets and family should be kept well away from the snake.
At a distance of 10-15 metres there is no danger from the snake, Mr Page said.
While some snakes might hiss and arch their backs, it’s because they’re scared of people.
“They think because of the size of us, we’re the threat to them,” Mr Page said.
“The best thing to do is leave it alone, and keep an eye on it from a safe distance.
“The snake’s not going to come hunt you.”
The best thing to do is leave it alone, and keep an eye on it from a safe distance.
- Chris Page
And if you’re considering killing the snake, don’t.
Attempts to kill snakes are both illegal, and can provoke it to bite.
“They are a protected species under the Wildlife Act,” Mr Page said.
“If anyone’s trying to kill them or anything like that you’re breaking the law and putting yourself at risk.”
Mr Page commonly sees snake close to houses, because they provide nice shady spots for snakes to cool down after they’ve basked in the sun.
Mr Page’s trick to catching snakes is simple. Don’t be complacent.
It’s his fifth year as a snake catcher, and he’s never suffered a bite from a venomous snake.
“Some will seem calm, some will be aggressive,” Mr Page said.
“You’ve got to treat them always as a different snake.”
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has warned that snakes have begun to emerge from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and search for a mate.
Wildlife officer Georgia de Salis said sunny weather meant it was more likely for snakes and people to encounter each other, as they got out and enjoyed the forests.
She said Eastern Brown, Tiger and Red Bellied Black snakes were the most common in central Victoria, especially in tall grass, and around wetlands, creeks and rivers.
“These three species are all highly venomous but it is rare for them to bite people. However, they are known to bite animals when disturbed. If you are a pet owner and your dog or cat encounters up while the snake passes,” Ms de Salis said.
“Being aware that snakes may be around and being informed about how to react to them is very important at this time of year.”
DELWP’s snake safety tips
- Keep calm if you spot a snake, move yourself, anyone with you, and any pets away from the snake
- Stay away, snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, making it illegal to capture, kill or harm them, bites can occur when people try to kill snakes
- Never touch or attempt to catch a hurt snake, instead call the DELWP customer service centre on 136 186 where staff can put you in contact with a licensed snake catcher
- A spring clean can keep snakes away, snakes love shelters like piles of rocks, timber, sheets of metal and building materials
- Know your first aid, undertake training and make sure that your first aid kit has several compression bandages to hand
- If someone is bitten by a snake, call 000 immediately
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