Snakes across Latrobe Valley are coming out of hibernation as the weather warms up and local snake-catchers have warned residents to be aware.
VenomWise snake-handler Jeff Mathieson said, after catching two snakes last week, it was time to remind residents how to be safe around snakes.
“The main message is just leave them alone. Nearly all bites occur when people interfere or try to kill the snakes,” Mr Mathieson said.
“There would actually be nearly no deaths in Australia if people didn’t try to catch or kill snakes.”
Mr Mathieson, who has been working with snakes for more than 10 years, said snake season has come earlier than in previous years because of the dry weather and normally began mid to late September.
“The four types of snakes you’ll see in this area are copperheads, tiger snakes, red-bellied black snakes and eastern brown snakes,” he said.
Mr Mathieson said if anyone found a snake in their home it was best to shut the door to that room, put blankets or towels at the foot of the door to trap the snake and then call for a snake catcher to take it away.
“If you see one in the backyard get the pets inside and again call and wait for the snake catcher to arrive,” he said.
“If you are bitten by a snake call 000 and apply a compression and immobilisation bandage, or if that isn’t available, just apply pressure to the site. Never tourniquet, cutting off the blood circulation doesn’t help.”
He said places to look out for snakes were around the fringes of towns, grassy areas, near creeks and rivers and anywhere where there was a food source, for example chicken coops and ponds.
“It’s the hot days that snakes will come toward towns and they’re just seeking shelter and water,” he said,
Residents who find snakes at their home are urged to phone their local police station, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries on 136 186 or Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
