Snake season is here, what to do if you see one in your yard

Macarthur snake catcher Pat Reeve has had his hands full with reptile rescues, as the region springs into snake season.

Snake catcher Patrick Reeve, from Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services, with a red-bellied black snake. Picture: Robert Pozo

Macarthur snake catcher Pat Reeve has had his hands full with reptile rescues, as the region springs into snake season.

Residents from one end of the Macarthur region to the other have told of their horror at finding red-bellied black snakes and eastern browns around their homes in recent weeks.

More than 35 readers posted snake sightings on the Macarthur Chronicle Facebook page, with one resident stating it was the first time in 30 years she had had a snake in her yard at Eagle Vale.

Others said snakes were common in Picton, Wilton, Leumeah, St Helens Park, Mt Annan, Leumeah and St Andrews.

Macarthur region snake catcher Pat Reeve said spring was the peak season for snake activity, but there were a steps residents could follow to make their homes less appealing to the reptiles. “The main thing to prevent them is to keep your yard tidy and remove food sources like rodents and frogs,” he said.

“They’re coming out of hibernation to look for food and they will travel long distances to find a mate.

“The snakes won’t just attack for no reason, and if they can’t find anything to hide under they’re not going to stick around.”

The Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services volunteer advised residents to fill in any gaps or holes in concrete around their yard, and never attempt to approach, catch or kill a snake.

“In the last couple weeks we’ve had quite a few call-outs and with urban developments there’s less and less space to release them back into,” he said.

“People need to remember that snakes were here before the houses and are coming back to where their homes used to be. All animals are here for a reason and snakes are part of the balance of the ecosystem.

“If you see one just walk away, call an expert and keep an eye on it.”

Mr Reeve said to teach children to keep away from snakes and bring pets inside if a snake was spotted on or near your property.

“If you suspect your dog has been bitten, take it to the vet and don’t wait,” he said.

“Even if you’ve seen your dog playing with a snake it’s best to get them a check up as a precaution.’’

Mr Reeve works with Mt Annan resident Bob Gleeson to help Macarthur residents remove snakes from their homes free of charge.

Donations to cover travel expenses are welcome.

Details: Pat on 0400 419 573 or Bob 0408 238 877

Sydney Metro Wildlife Services: 9413 4300