SNAKE season has started earlier in Victoria this year, we’re told, and lasting longer, primarily because of the moderate winter we’ve had this year, and up until recently, a fine, dry start to spring.
They’re out sunning themselves on the rail trail, slithering into backyards on the edge of town and returning to popular haunts out on the farm.
And as much as we’re told to leave them alone and give them a wide berth, confrontations do occur.
Regular contributor to the Tarwin Lower Venus Bay Community Voice Facebook page, Marie-Louise Schaefer, posted a sad report last Tuesday about a much-loved Jack Russell who had succumbed to a snake bite.
“This pup didn’t make it. Snake bite. Please keep your dogs on a leash, and always supervise when they are roaming around your backyard.”
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) recently issued a warning for South Gippsland and Bass Coast.
“Snakes are emerging from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and to search for food and a mate.
“The recent sunny weather also means more people are spending time enjoying the outdoors and it is quite possible they’ll encounter a snake.
“Eastern Brown snakes, Tiger snakes, Lowland Copperheads and Red Bellied Black snakes are all encountered in the Gippsland region, usually around wetlands, creeks and rivers. These species are all highly venomous, but it’s rare for them to bite people with most snake bites occurring when people try to capture or handle a snake.
“Snakes have been known to bite animals, such as dogs, if they feel threatened. If your dog or cat encounters a snake, the best course of action is to remove your pet from the area or tie it up while the snake passes and if you suspect your pet has been bitten, take it to a vet immediately.
“Snakes are generally very shy and prefer to keep away from people and often when a snake is found in a backyard it’s because it’s moving through the area to another habitat.
“Snakes are more common around the urban fringe or in rural parts of Victoria, but they can also be found close to cities and towns, particularly around watercourses and parkland.
“Whether you’re exercising outdoors or gardening, please be aware that snakes may be around, and make sure you’re informed about how to react to them if you encounter one.”
If you live in an area with snakes, please remember:
* When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people.
* If you see a snake, keep calm, and move yourself and anyone with you (including pets) away from the area.
* Don't attempt to capture or harm snakes. Instead call DEECA on 136 186 for further advice.
* Maintain lawns and clean up around your house, as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, and building materials.
* Undertake first aid training and ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages, and if someone is bitten, call 000 immediately.
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to harm or kill them or capture them without authority. Reports of people wilfully destroying protected wildlife will be investigated by the Conservation Regulator.
And don't forget the 'Paws for a Cause' dog walk this Saturday, October 15, to help raise money for YMCA Bass Coast programs for supporting young local people in need. See details and enter here: https://wonthaggi.ymca.org.au/paws-for-cause
