The past few weeks has seen a number of high-profile snakebite incidents that should serve as a reminder to all grey nomads to be constantly reptile aware … especially when out in the bush.
In one incident, a man in his 60s died after being bitten by a suspected eastern brown about 50 kilometres from Brisbane. Just hours later, another person was taken to hospital after a reported snakebite in Mount Garnet, about 161 kilometres from Cairns.
There’s also been a man in his 70s hospitalised after being bitten by a snake in the rural Queensland community of Bucca; a schoolgirl taken to hospital after being bitten by a snake in Bundaberg; and a woman in her 50s flown to hospital after being bitten on her right foot while at a rest stop on the Bruce Highway, south of Miriam Vale in Queensland.
And campers have not been immune.
The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter flew a woman to hospital after she was bitten at a highway rest area. PIC: RACQ LifeFlight
A British tourist was flown to Hervey Bay Hospital after being bitten by a suspected eastern brown while walking in the dunes on K’Gari (Fraser Island).
Of course, grey nomads need to be particularly snake aware when bushwalking or setting up camp in more remote areas.
A spokesperson for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service told the GNT that grey nomads were advised to camp in established campgrounds away from fallen logs, and to always check carefully any items left in the open such as shoes and clothing.
“In campgrounds where firewood is provided, take care when collecting firewood in case snakes are hiding in the woodpile,” the spokesperson said. “Snakes are not naturally aggressive and will retreat if possible … generally snakes will only attack humans if hurt – for example, if accidentally stepped upon – or provoked, for example if cornered, or if someone is attempting to hit them with a stick or rocks.”
For its part, Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science said it was not aware of any specific incidents relating to snakes in the state’s national parks this year.
A spokesperson said bites were rare as snakes sense the vibration of approaching footsteps and tend to flee into the undergrowth.
Of course, it is still sensible to take precautions such as wearing boots and trousers or gaiters when bushwalking; to always be aware of where you are placing your feet; and to step on to the top of fallen logs and check before stepping over in case a snake is seeking shelter on the other side.
People can also alert snakes to their presence by tapping a walking stick on the ground. Anyone who does come across a snake is advised to calmly walk the other way, or walk around it, giving it lots of room.
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I’ve definitely done the tapping a stick on the ground and stamping my feet. Even singing some of a song young Bindi Irwin use to sing at Australia Zoo in the Crocoseum.
We spend most days of our trips bush walking, encounting snakes all the time.
We wear long pants, gators & boots.