Summer is snake season, so catcher Barry Goldsmith says be prepared
AS the weather warms up, so will the snakes. But this veteran Mornington Peninsula snake catcher says don’t be alarmed — just be prepared.
South East
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A MORNINGTON snake catcher has already caught over 20 snakes this month, but he said there was no need to worry this snake season if you know what to do.
Snake Catcher Victoria’s Barry Goldsmith said anyone seeing a snake should immediately take two steps back.
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“The snake will see your silhouette shrinking, and they only attack if they feel threatened,” Mr Goldsmith said.
He also warned people not to attempt to catch or hurt snakes.
“I’m against it because it’s animal cruelty. If you hurt the snake it can’t bite anyone, it’s just very scared.”
DELWP Senior Scientist Nick Clemann said snakes were protected under government legislation and it was illegal to capture, harm or kill them.
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University of Melbourne researchers said urban fringe areas had started to encroach into snake habitats, which meant people were more likely to encounter them.
Australian Venom Research Unit Postdoctoral research fellow Timothy Jackson said snakes were “ectotherms”, which meant they got their heat from external sources and loved to come out to bask — particularly in spring.
“This is nothing to be alarmed about, but it does give us an additional reason to pay attention to our surroundings,” Dr Jackson said.
Dr Jackson stressed it was still important to be snake sensible in spring, and offered some tips on how to stay safe.
HOW TO STAY SAFE FROM SNAKES
● See a snake — call a licensed snake catcher or DELWP on 136 186
● Keep track of the snake
● Don’t touch. Snakebites are defensive
● Supervise pets/kids in long grass, dense vegetation
● Wear gardening gloves
● Spring clean — snakes hide in long grass, wood/rubbish piles
● Control rodents — they’re snake food
● Keep compression bandages in your first aid kit.
● If someone is bitten, call triple-0 immediately
Source: Dr Timothy Jackson
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