Floodwaters along the River Murray are set to force snakes to abandon their habitat and residential properties could be the perfect new home

As if the incredible amount of flood waters headed to SA weren’t frightening enough, experts are now warning to be on the looked for another influx.

Highly venomous snakes are on the move in riverside communities with experts warning they could look to seek shelter inside residential properties.

The rising water inundating flood plains is forcing snakes to abandon their habitats along the River Murray and move to higher ground.

This combined with the imminent warmer weather, there are fears that sightings of eastern brown snakes, tiger snakes and red-bellied black snakes will become more common. And a bite from those can have fatal consequences.

Based in Murray Bridge, Murraylands snake catcher David Dique is the only licensed operator along the river and he 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.”

The Riverland. Berri/Loxton. Brown snake swimming on the River Murray.

He said the snakes would only pose a threat to people if they were inside a dwelling.

“If there’s one in your house or shed or that could threaten pets or children, then it is probably wise to call me,” he said.

“But otherwise just leave them alone and they will take off.”

Mr Dique said people pose the biggest threat to themselves when they try 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.”

Department of Environment and Water principal ecologist Karl Hillyard said if you did find yourself in trouble you should act fast.

“Treat any bite from a snake as a venomous one and act quickly with first aid and seeking urgent medical attention,” he said.

He said snakes were more than likely already on the move.

Tiger Snake.

“We start giving advice out at this time of year when the weather warms up and with those snakes coming out of hibernation and their habitat disappearing, people should certainly be mindful that they may come into contact with them,” he said.

“Our general recommendation is to not interact with them.”

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.”