Snakes are awake and on the march
Rachel Brown
Wednesday, 20 October 2004
BENDIGO has become an oasis for deadly snakes, prompting warnings from a local wildlife controller.
Already this month, George Moore has caught 13 snakes in the Bendigo region.
Last year, Mr Moore removed more than 125 lethal snakes, mostly from homes in central Bendigo.
"The first six weeks we often expect a fair few snakes as they're just waking up," he said.
Mr Moore said five years ago, it was standard to collect 20 snakes in the region for the season, and was concerned with the steady increase of incidents.
"Especially in the last two years, Bendigo seems to have dried up and has become an oasis for wildlife."Mr Moore said the drought, warmer winter weather and predicted hot summer would stretch the snake season from October through to June. Bedrooms, shoes and near outdoor spas were common hideouts for the snakes, Mr Moore said.
Of the 13 snakes he has retrieved this month, five were brown snakes and three were red-belly - some almost two metres long.Mr Moore collects the snake using sophisticated equipment, before releasing the reptiles into bushland, away from public areas.
With temperatures on the rise, Mr Moore encouraged residents to think practically when outdoors.
"The best prevention is for people to clean up after pet birds, mice, rats and to raise water containers off the ground," he said.
Mr Moore encouraged people to stomp or sing when outside and try to avoid walks after 1.30 pm.
"eKeep on tracks and if you see a snake, become a stone and call for help."Mr Moore can be contacted on 0428 195 941 or 5447 2392.
