Two travellers have had to be carried to safety after they were bitten by snakes in Karijini National Park in WA’s north-west.
Emergency services were called to rescue the pair, who were bitten in separate incidents earlier this month. The first incident, which occurred at Circular Pool on May 15 was an unconfirmed King Brown bite, and the second a bite from an unknown snake species at Weano Gorge on May 18.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has wasted no time in warning grey nomads and other visitors to be exceptionally vigilant.
Parks and Wildlife Service Pilbara regional wildlife officer Jamie Gault told the West Australian newspaper that while snakes were generally most active between November and April, the risk of snake bites was ‘always present’ in the Pilbara and the animals could be easier to startle during the cooler months when they were seeking out heat.
“It is quite unusual for snake bites to occur down in gorges in Karijini; most reported incidents have been while people have been walking into campgrounds without a torch at night,” he said. “But the likelihood of snake bites is always going to increase when you don’t wear protective shoes or long pants, so Parks and Wildlife recommends wearing those throughout Karijini, especially while enjoying trails and ponds.”
Both of the men rescued in the recent incidents were taken to Tom Price Hospital and then transferred to Hedland Health Campus for treatment.
Tom Price police acting Sergeant Christopher Forrest told the West Australian that the incidents were a timely reminder for visitors to Karijini to be cautious.
“People should take care and be vigilant and be prepared for the terrain and conditions,” he said.
He also said the new emergency management strategy that had been put in place for Karijini this tourist season, involving clarified response procedures and a streamlined group telephone call system, seemed to be working well.
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