Flaviemys purvisi
Very Well-Known Member
JANUARY 19 2019
SLITHERING IN: The tiger snake that was found at an O'Connell residence recently.
AN O’CONNELL home had an unwelcome guest during the recent hot weather: a tiger snake.
The appearance of the tiger snake, which was a fully grown male, serves as a reminder to be on the lookout for the reptilian species during the warmer months.
Orange-based snake catcher Jake Hansen, who was called out to O’Connell to help handle the situation, says tiger snakes are an often misunderstood species.
“The tiger snake has a reputation for being aggressive, but if you gain a better understanding of their behaviour, you’ll find that they are more of a defensive animal,” he said.
“Their threat display is very dramatic, and involves flattening their neck out, making loud hissing noises and performing a mock strike.”
Mr Hansen has already received a number of callouts throughout the summer months.
“With the really hot weather, that’s when I start to get most calls about snakes being inside people’s homes,” he said.
“Snakes like to be operating at a body temperature of around 30 degrees, and when the temperature rises above that, they seek cooler ground such as people’s houses.”
WRAP-UP: Oberon paramedics Brendan Bourne and John Kanne show how to apply an immobilisation bandage to Christine Symington if a snake bites you on the finger.
Oberon ambulance station officer John Kanne is urging people to remain on the lookout for snakes and spiders.
He said the first three months of the year is traditionally the peak period for snake and spider bites, the first-aid for which depends on the species.
"If the bite is on a limb, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage,” he said.
“For all other bites, apply direct, firm pressure to the bite site with your hands and bandage through to armpit or groin.”
Oberon Multipurpose Service manager Christine Symington said they have had two snake bite victims present at the service this season and four in 2018.
"It's important to immobilise the patient. They should not be walking around and definitely do not drive," Ms Symington said.
"And never cut or excise the wound. Do not attempt to suck out venom and don’t apply a tourniquet.
"Call triple-0 to ensure the patient receives the best treatment as quickly as possible."
