Summer means sssssnake season!

Tuesday 30 November, 2021

It’s been a wet year, which means more rodents and frogs, snakes’ favourite food! This could mean you’ll see more snakes over summer. Here are some tips especially for bushwalkers:

• Snakes warm themselves in the sun, on rocks and in open areas like walking tracks. Avoid surprising snakes and warn them of your approach by making a noise or tapping a walking stick on the ground, so they can feel the vibration and retreat under cover.
• If you see a snake, stop, stand still, if necessary walk slowly backwards and wait to allow it to pass. Don’t poke it or try to move as it may become aggressive and try to defend itself. Most snake bites occur when people try to kill or capture snakes.
• If there is a fallen log in your path, step onto it and check before stepping over it, in case a snake is on the other side.
• Check the battery on your phone is fully charged before setting out. If there is an emergency call Triple Zero (000). Mobile reception in national parks is often patchy or non-existent. Let others know your hiking plans, particularly if you are going to remote areas. NPWS has a Trip Intention Form which you can use to register your hike and Personal Locator Beacons are available to hire from some NPWS offices and police stations.
• Carry a first aid kit, ensure it has a snake compression bandage and, know how to use it to treat a snake bite.

If you need a snake to be relocated from your property, call LAOKO on 02 6452 1313.

The White-lipped snake is Australia’s most cold tolerant snake, and has been seen on the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. It is only a small snake measuring 40cm. Photo: Jo Caldwell, DPIE