It’s been a warm end to winter and a warm start to spring in most parts of the country and that can mean only one thing … grey nomads need to be ever-vigilant for the presence of snakes.
Professor Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland’s School of the Environment told 9News that warmer temperatures meant prey animals like skinks and frogs were increasingly out and about, which meant snakes would be too.
He said changes in seasonal weather patterns and an increase in temperature extremes meant snake season would last longer, and human encounters would become more prevalent.
“Instead of it being too cool at 10pm or 11pm or even midnight for some of the snakes to be out moving, we may be seeing snakes moving literally all through the night,” he told 9News.
The reptile was expertly removed from a campervan engine bay by Steven Brown. PIC: Brisbane North Snake Catchers
“Once we hit the temperature extremes, you’re going to have more snakes seeking refuge in garages or under your houses or even in the house.”
Professor Fry estimates up to half of all snake bites could likely be avoided and said all snakes should be treated as potentially venomous.
“Every year people wake up to the fact that we have dangerous wildlife and that if you’re incredibly stupid around them, you are going to end up in the hospital,” he told 9News. “If you have enough time to go into your garage and get a shovel, you’re not in immediate danger, you could have gone into the house and gotten your phone and rang the local snake catcher … snakes don’t start fights but they will end the fight.”
In Australia, snake activity follows distinct patterns in the tropical north and more temperate south.
In the north, snakes seek to avoid the harsh heat and are most active during early mornings, night time, and following the wet season (April to June).
In the south, snakes go into hiding during the cooler months. They slow their metabolism to almost zero and essentially sleep through the winter. A combination of daily temperatures and daylight hours in spring then triggers southern snakes to wake up and begin the breeding season.
With grey nomads often camping in remote areas and many enjoying bushwalks, the potential presence of snakes is certainly something to be aware of.
Last year, Steven Brown from the Brisbane North Snake Catchers & Relocation company was even called out to remove a Coastal Carpet Python from the engine bay of a campervan.
“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 at the time. “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 said 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.
“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.”
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We’ve been keen bush walkers/nature photographers over the past 40 years.
We encounter snakes all of the time, not just in warmer weather but all year round.
Leave them alone & they’ll leave you alone.
We wear boots & gators when walking in very snake infested habitat.
Looked like 2 snakes!
Did I miss the politician??