Australians have been warned to be on the lookout for snakes as rising temperatures bring the reptiles out into the open.
Experts say the unusually warm spring weather has lead to an increase in snake sightings, including the deadly brown snake which is responsible for most snake bite fatalities around the country.
‘Typically, snakes do not come out of brumation until September. However, due to the unseasonably warm weather, experts warn that snakes could be active much earlier this year,’ Australian Reptile Park operations manager Billy Collett said.
Cold-blooded reptiles like snakes often seek out cool, hidden places to escape the heat.
To prevent unexpected encounters with snakes, it’s important to take some precautions.
‘All households to keep grass areas around their house mowed and well maintained; also avoid piling up leftover firewood or accumulating stick piles,’ Mr Collett said.
‘Tin sheets or any household items like these that are piled up can draw in heat providing a perfect man-made habitat for snakes. These areas provide a safe house for snakes as they sit in stealth mode awaiting prey to feed, and if startled they will defend through biting.
Smaller snakes are more prone to hide between thick shrubs as they heat up during the day and keeps the cold-blooded reptile warm during the night.
Snakes are not naturally aggressive and prefer to retreat. The only time they attack people is if they are attacked themselves, provoked, or captured.
‘It’s important that all Australians know that do not go out of their way to harm people,’ Mr Collett said.
Mr Collett added that people should steer clear of any encounter with a snake, no matter what species.
About 140 different species of snakes call Australia home, but 100 of them are venomous, and only 12 species are likely to kill you if bitten.
The Coastal and Outback regions of the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales are particularly dangerous, as they harbor some of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Experts have warned Aussies of potentially deadly snakes (pictured, eastern brown snake) awaking from their winter brumation early this year due to an unseasonable heatwave
Experts have warned Australians that there already has been an increase in snake sightings which they say is ‘out of the ordinary’
Among these are the Coastal Taipan — ranked as the second most venomous snake in the world — the Eastern Brown Snake, and the Mainland Tiger Snake.
‘Snake bites mostly occur when people are trying to catch or kill the snake, so if you don’t do either of those things, there’s a greater chance that you’ll be okay,’ he said.
In the event of a bite, the victim must remain ‘calm and immobile’ while emergency services are contacted so they can receive treatment.
A bandage should also be wrapped tightly around the bite site and surrounding limb while all jewellery must be removed.
‘By applying the pressure-immobilisation bandage, the venom cannot easily spread through the body, slowing down the envenomation process by buying the bite victim more time to seek medical attention at the hospital,’ Mr Collett said.
‘Depending on the species of venomous snake, a bite could destroy blood cells, cause blood clots, or excessive bleeding and destroy tissue.
‘If not correctly treated with first aid immediately, a fatality can be as quick as 30 minutes.’
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