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Snakes On The Move

Australia is home to one of the most diverse groups of reptiles in the world. With another season of warm weather in front of us it is important that we understand our scaly friends and learn how to live with them.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 16th December 2004 - Back to News

Every summer the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) receives calls from people wishing to have snakes removed from their property or looking for ways to deter them.

Although little can be done to prevent snakes moving from ‘A’ to ‘B’, property owners can do something to prevent the ‘B’ becoming their back yard:

• Snakes feed on rats and mice, so control rats and mice in your compost, chook pens and pet food storage.
• Remove potential ‘snake housing’: sheets of iron, wood piles, rubbish, tyres etc.
• Frogs are also on the menu, so if you create frog habitat such as ponds, then do so in a part of the yard that is rarely used.
• Keep grass as short as possible.

If you happen to find a snake in your backyard DO NOT attempt to capture or kill it. Not only are snakes protected species, but in many cases of snake bite, the patient has been harassing the snake.

Instead of dealing with the snake in this dangerous and illegal way, follow this process:

1. Stay calm
2. Ensure children and pets are well clear of the area.
3. Watch to see where the snake goes.
4. Contact your nearest DSE or DPI office, who will provide the contact details of a ‘Licensed Snake Catcher’ who will remove the snake (for a fee).

Licensed snake catchers are experienced in handling snakes and provide a great service to the community.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment is looking for more people to join this service. For more information, please contact Jeremy Aitken at the Bairnsdale DSE office on 51 520400.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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