Flaviemys purvisi
Very Well-Known Member
Tom O'Callaghan
SEPTEMBER 6 2018
Chris Page with his pet mulga snake. Pictures: GLENN DANIELS
Gardeners tidying up around home this weekend are being warned to beware of snakes.
A Bendigo-based snake catcher is already being called to jobs, including one in Goornong last week where homeowners cleaning up a greenhouse found a three foot eastern brown snake under a tarp.
That find came despite the owner deliberately timing their property clean-up before spring when there was less chance of encountering reptiles.
While it is still generally too cool for the region’s eastern browns and red bellies to be highly active, TZR Reptiles and Wildlife’s Chris Page says there will be more sightings as people spring into their gardens.
WEATHER WARMING: Chris Page with his pet mulga snake. Pictures: GLENN DANIELS
They may come across snakes that have been in brumation over winter, and not only as they overturn potential sources of shelter.
“They (snakes) are less active, but if it’s a nice day and the sun is out they will definitely take that chance to get a bit of heat into them,” Mr Page said.
The region could get tiger snakes, who would be more active from now, but they were not as common as in other parts of the state.
Watch: Brown snake eats tiger snake on farm outside of Bendigo
Having said that, people can expect to see snakes start to get on the move.
“It’s springtime so they are becoming more active. They will be starting to search for a mate and look for food – there is plenty of food around,” Mr Page said.
He said people hoping to minimise the chances of snakes coming on to their properties should keep lawns as short as possible, tidy garden beds and remove any tin or wood that could provide shelter.
WEATHER WARMING: Chris Page with his pet mulga snake. Pictures: GLENN DANIELS
Mr Page said people should know first aid as well as how to recognise the signs that pets might have been bitten.
Those signs could include lethargy, dilated pupils and vomiting.
“With dogs and cats it can take 24 hours before they will show symptoms. If they show signs of anything then get in contact with the vet,” he said.
If people did see a snake they should not kill it.
“They are a protected species under the Wildlife Act. The best thing to do is stop, keep an eye on it and slowly back away,” he said.
Once people had ensured they, their family members and pets were safe a licenced snake catcher should be called.
“We will come out and be able to remove it,” Mr Page said.
