Flood-affected River Murray regions warned over increased snake sightings

With rising floodwaters come snakes. But experts say they won’t attack unless they feel threatened. Watch the video.

Snake sightings are on the rise in flood-affected river communities, as experts warn highly-venomous reptiles are abandoning their habitats and seeking shelter in residential areas.

The Department of Environment and Water says rising waters – combined with the usual summer increase in snake activity – have forced snakes out of their usual homes on the flood plains.

National Parks and Wildlife Service principal ecologist Karl Hillyard said there had been a number of snake sightings in the Riverland over the past month, including in flood waters.

“Many species of snake are excellent swimmers and it is likely that snakes will be in the water during the flood as they would be in normal circumstances,” Mr Hillyard said.

If Riverland residents or visitors come across a snake, the department says remain calm, keep children and pets well clear and contact an expert to remove it.

“The department does not recommend people attempt to interact with snakes, as many snake bites occur when people try to handle, kill or harm a snake,” Mr Hillyard said.

“If safe to do so, try and watch where the snake goes so the snake catcher can find it more easily.”

Snakes have been spotted in residential areas along the flood-hit Riverland. Picture: Facebook/Katelyn Boughen

A brown snake spotted in the water at Loxton.

Last month, Murraylands snake catcher David Dique, the only licensed operator along the river, said he was preparing for a busier summer than ever.

“It’s pretty stable at the moment, but as that river comes up and with some warmer weather arriving towards the end of the week, those snakes are going to move from the flood plains to higher ground,” he said.

“I’m expecting it to be a bit more prolific than usual, if it came to it I might stay in the Riverland to meet demand.”

He said the reptiles only posed a threat to people if they were inside a dwelling – and that the biggest threat came from people trying to kill snakes.

“Snakes do not attack unless they feel threatened,” he said.

“If someone came and grabbed you by the throat while you’re cooking a BBQ, you’re going to lash out, so a snake is no different.”

Mr Dique said the preservation of snakes along the River Murray was crucial, with floods having the potential to wipe out a large portion of some species.

“Tiger snakes in particular feed on frogs and live right near the water, so I anticipate it might kill off a large number of them,” he said.

“In 1956, the floods decimated that population and it’s never really recovered.”