It is cooler in a lot of places following the record-breaking heatwave, and grey nomads and others are now being warned that snake activity is likely to be high.
The reptiles typically minimise movement and stay under cover when the temperatures are at their highest and then come out of hiding to hunt for prey when conditions have cooled down.
But the snake experts all agree that the best way to avoid getting bitten is by giving the creatures a wide berth and not looking to get too close or to interfere with them
UQ School of Biological Sciences associate professor Dr Bryan Fry told the Brisbane Times that people needed to “be the smarter of the two species …. and leave it alone”.
He said 95% snake bite victims were trying to attack the reptiles before they struck back.
“Leave it alone, a lot of people who end up in hospital are stupid,” he said. “They attack the snake, injure it, naturally the reptile defends itself and the victims cry ‘why me?’ in hospital.”
Experts say that snakes are not naturally aggressive and always prefer to retreat. They only attack humans if hurt, provoked or cornered. If grey nomads or other travellers come across a snake in the bush, they are advised to back slowly away and leave the snake alone.
The Brisbane Times reports that, in the period between February 2016 and January 2017, about 600 Queenslanders were treated by paramedics for snake bites. This was slightly more than 2014 and 2015, which were both about the 550 mark.
* Have you ever had a ‘too close’ encounter with a snake while on tour travels? Have you ever had a snake in your camp area? Comment below.
No, not in a camp area but up in Darwin had a King Brown in the shower.
Yep just retreated and left it alone until snake catcher come to get it.
Part of nature, so respect them. No need to kill them!!