Snake hot spots map: Everything you need to know about slither season in Tasmania

Tasmanians aren’t the only ones looking forward to the warmer weather, an expert snake handler says. Watch what he has to say about the upcoming snake season.

A toilet bowl, inside Risdon Prison and the Royal Hobart Hospital – all some of the strange places snake handler Chris Daly has been called to rescue snakes around Tasmania.

As a snake handler for Tasmania’s Reptile Rescue Inc., Mr Daly is preparing for a busy season ahead as Tasmania’s weather warms up early, bringing the three species of snakes out in search of a cooler spot or place to warm up.

“Since we started to get those 16C to 17C days, with a bit of heat on the ground that’s already wet creates humidity and attracts snakes,” Mr Daly said.

Chris Daly snatch catcher with a tiger snake. Chris, from Reptile Rescue Incorporated, has already had many calls out for removal of snakes with days becoming warmer. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The best thing is they’re out to heat up for a couple of weeks and then they’ll start tracking food and stuff like that once the weather warms up, but at the moment, they’re just out working on their tan.

Mr Daly already responded to three calls on Monday, expecting to grow to up to 120 calls a day in summer.

Last year, Tasmania’s Reptile Rescue Inc responded to 8436 calls.

The top suburbs for these calls included Kingston, Sandford, Huonville and Acton.

While Tasmania only has three venomous species of snake all are considered dangerous if bitten. Mr Daly recommends people call for assistance if concerned and keep an eye on snakes.

“The best thing to do is to keep your eye on the snake,” he said.

“I know it’s hard for some people, but you can see a snake from a distance.

“Snakes only pick up on movement, so if you’re dead still, the snake won’t be bothered by you.

“But it makes it a lot easier because when we send a ranger there, you can say, ‘Listen, he’s gone into that bush and he hasn’t come out.’

“It’s always a good idea to try and get animals and kids inside or away from the snake while waiting for assistance.”

Mr Daly said snakes are typically only active in the night-time on hot days and will usually only venture out on overcast days between 18C to 24C.

For assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call Chris and the Tasmanian Reptile Rescue Inc at 0499 116 690

Chris Daly snatch catcher with a tiger snake. Chris Daly from Reptile Rescue Incorporated has already had many calls out for removal of snakes with days becoming warmer. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

How to identify Tassie snakes

Tiger snake (notechis scutatus)

Usually found in southern region of state

Can range in colours and patterns, some with bands some without tiger snakes

Large heads

Lowland Copperhead (austrelaps superbus)

Colour varies from a coppery mid-brown to yellowish, reddish, grey or black.

Small head compared to their body

White-lipped snakes (Drysdalia coronoides)

Usually dark olive green to a green-grey on the back with a pale grey belly

Narrow, rounded head with easy-to-spot white line running along upper lip

What to do if bitten

All species are considered dangerous. If bitten, keep the patient still, apply a bandage firmly to the bite area and call triple-0 immediately.

Originally published as Snake hot spots map: Everything you need to know about slither season in Tasmania