The warmer weather has resulted in snakes becoming a lot more active in recent weeks … and that means grey nomads need to be more vigilant than ever.
Steven Brown from the Brisbane North Snake Catchers & Relocation company has already been pretty busy … and he says we ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
“Snakes are most active in the warmer months,” he told the Grey Nomads. “It kicks off with the breeding season as temperatures begin to rise around August, and then begins to slow down around April.”
Last month, Mr Brown was called out to remove a Coastal Carpet Python from the engine bay of a campervan and, while it was a non-venomous species, it must have given the travellers quite a start when they spotted it.
A snake curled up in a campervan engine. PIC: Brisbane North Snake Catchers
“It can be a good practice to check engine bay for any wildlife or snakes if you are camping out in the bush,” he said. “And, if you’re setting up a swag or tent, it’s a priority to keep everything zipped up so no snakes can enter these areas, along with sleeping bags.”
Mr Brown says that, depending on where they are travelling, grey nomads can run into a range of snakes including Eastern Browns, Red Belly Blacks, Western Browns and Carpet Pythons.
Of course, it is on a bushwalk where grey nomads are generally most vulnerable to a snake bite.
The reptile is expertly removed by Steven Brown. PIC: Brisbane North Snake Catchers
“If you sight a snake out on a bushwalk and are within five or six metres of the snake, it’s best to stand still and wait until the snake retreats and goes on its way,” said Mr Brown. “Movement can make the snake feel threatened and can result in a bite … if you’re able though, it’s best to give the snake a wide berth and continue on.”
The snake catcher also strongly recommends that bushwalkers always wear the correct enclosed foot wear and long pants to help protect themselves from a potential bite.
“You should also carry a snakebite first-aid kit or snakebite bandages, along with mobile phone in case you need to contact medical assistance,” he said. “If you think you may have been bitten, or have been bitten, by a snake it’s best to treat with snakebite first aid, and call an ambulance.”
As a teenager I learnt my lesson dealing with a Tiger Snake, a group of us decided to drop a “banger” fireworks down from about three metres above on sloping ground. The Snake reacted instantly and was close in seconds. We ran and fortunately were not bitten.
Boys will be boys.