Glen Garden of Eden for dangerous snakes
Friday, 22 October 2004
gleninnes.yourguide.com.aus
AN increased number of snake sightings around the district are being reported to National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with the arrival of warmer weather.
Residents are being urged to be aware of snakes being out and about with the arrival of warmer weather.
Glen Innes NPWS Ranger, Peter Croft, said snakes are more active now, making them more visible.
"Snakes are normally shy but after their winter hibernation they are actively looking for food and mates, so people tend to see them more at this time of year," Mr Croft said.
"With the warmer weather, it is important that people do take care, particularly when outdoors, gardening, fishing or bushwalking.
"Wearing long pants and solid footwear gives the best protection.
"If you're out bushwalking, just be aware that snakes are around.
"In the mornings, afternoons and on cooler days they bask in the sun, in open areas like walking tracks or rocky ledges.
"We share our bushland areas with wildlife, and like most native wildlife, snakes are protected by law. They should be left alone if they are seen.
"The basic message is if you see a snake, leave it alone."
Mr Croft reminded people to be 'snake wise' at this time of the year and outlined several useful tips for minimising the risk of a ‘nasty' encounter with our reptilian neighbours:
* Children need to be taught not to pick up or try to harm snakes.
* Snake types are easily confused, so all snakes should be treated as if they are venomous.
* Snakes will usually only attack if they feel threatened - they just want to get away - so give them plenty of space to make their escape.
* Around houses, people should clean up ‘mousy' areas (like aviaries, dog kennels and poultry pens) where food attracts mice, then the smell of mice attracts snakes.
* Don't try to catch or kill a snake - that is when 90 per cent of snake bites happen.
* To have a snake safely removed alive from a town property, consult the phone directory and call for a trained volunteer from a wildlife care organisation.
"There are quite a few dangerous snakes in the Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes" Mr Croft said.
"The eastern brown snake is large, quite venomous and is commonly seen, so it's probably our most dangerous local snake.
"Other commonly seen dangerous snakes include the tiger snake and the red-bellied black snake.
"Although dangerous, death adders, highland copperheads and blue-bellied black snakes are not widespread in our area and are rarely seen."
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