Brown snake dangles from roof of family’s Lewiston home
Watch out, snakes are emerging earlier than ever from hibernation — as this video taken recently of a baby brown snake dangling from a gutter in Adelaide’s north shows.
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A battered baby brown snake has been filmed dangling from a gutter in Adelaide’s north as this month’s unusually warm weather has the reptiles emerging from hibernation earlier than ever, a snake catcher says.
The video was captured at a Lewiston home on Sunday and shows the snake – in rough condition – squirming over the edge of the gutter.
Joshua Gordon-Hunt, 43, said his son screamed when the serpent suddenly appeared on the roof.
“I ran out of this shed and there it was in the gutter,” he said.
“There’s no real way it could get up there. We presume a bird must’ve dropped it off. I just got the rake and tried to get it down.”
Mr Gordon-Hunt grabbed an empty dog biscuit bag and carried the snake to a nearby creek.
“I don’t like killing them, I like to let them go,” he said.
Snake Catchers Adelaide manager Rolly Burrell said it’s the first time he’s seen snakes active in September in the last 40 years.
“Usually it’s late October we see them but we’ve been getting two or three calls a day,” he said.
“It’s just early, very early and that surprises me. And they’re all baby brown snakes at the moment.”
Mr Burrell said it was very common to see birds prey on snakes. He said magpies and kookaburras love to “go after them” for a quick meal.
“I think it’s going to be a bumper season,” he said.
“We need about five or six days of consistent weather at about 25C and then they’ll all start coming out.
“If you see one, keep your distance, keep your eye on them and (call a professional).”
How to avoid getting bitten by a snake
Choose wider tracks when walking on the many bush trails around Adelaide and in the hills.
If you live in a snake-prone area, keep an eye on your children when they’re playing, educate them and know first aid.
Don’t try to catch snakes – call in the experts.
If you see a snake inside, get all humans and pets out of the room, shut the door, fill the gap underneath with a towel and call a professional snake catcher.
Keep your yard clear of long grass and rubbish.
Clean up after chooks and control rodents on your property as rats and mice are food for snakes.
And try not to panic your kids but have the chat.
If they see a snake, back away slowly, then run the other way!
If you want to see some more scary snake videos, scroll below.
