Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

Warmer Weather Has Snakes Out And About

One of the least popular members of Australia's wildlife population is becoming more active as the weather warms up.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 17th November 2005 - Back to News

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is advising people to keep their properties clear of rubbish and long grass to avoid providing a welcome refuge for snakes such as tiger snakes, red-bellied black snakes and lowland copperheads.

DSE Senior Wildlife Officer Charlie Franken said snakes were protected under the Wildlife Act. It is illegal to kill a snake, however residents can arrange for a licensed snake catcher to remove them.

Mr Franken said snakes were most commonly seen near waterways and areas of vegetation. He said many people were largely oblivious to the increased movement of snakes during the warmer months.

"Snakes are generally very shy and prefer to keep away from where people live, and if they are found in backyards it is usually because they are passing through on their way to other habitat," he said.

"Most people would choose not to share their property with snakes, so they should take all possible steps to deter them from lingering."

Mr Franken said most snake bites occurred when people tried to catch or kill snakes.

DSE advises residents to:

· Clean up around the house. Do not leave stacks of timber or sheets of iron lying about, as this is ideal temporary habitat.

· Keep grass and lawns cut short. Snakes do not like open areas where they are vulnerable to predators.

· Keep grain or pet food storage areas clean and tidy. These areas can attract mice, which are a favoured food supply for snakes.

· Ensure garden rockeries and ferneries are kept clear and tidy. These are cool places that attract snakes on warm days.

· Avoid walking around their backyards in bare feet, wear leg protection on hot nights and use a torch. Tiger snakes in particular become nocturnal in very hot weather and it is then that they are harder to see. Pets, particularly cats, are vulnerable to being bitten at this time.

DSE offers a range of information on snakes, including contact details for licensed snake catchers. Call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• South Gippsland Council adopts Eftsure to securely verify vendor payments, preventing cybercrime and payment fraud risks
  South Gippsland Shire Council now uses Eftsure to securely verify vendor bank details, reducing the risk of outgoing payments being intercepted by cybercriminals or fraudsters. More information is available online.
• Government was light on details about fuel and fertiliser plans, says Darren Chester
  Darren Chester urges the Albanese government to ensure fuel and fertiliser prioritisation for agriculture and food production, warning supply disruptions from the Iran conflict threaten farmers, exports and Australian household budgets.
• Baw Baw Shire outdoor pools open December 1, offering free Thorpdale access, and extended Warragul season for all ages
  Baw Baw Shire outdoor pools open from December 1, with Thorpdale free, Warragul extended, offering fun, safe swimming for all during summer, weather permitting.
• Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
  Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks independent chairperson for CEO Employment Committee role, submit quotations by 20 April 2026
  Council seeks qualified consultants for Independent Chairperson of the CEO Employment Committee, overseeing CEO performance. The advisory role spans two years, with extensions, and includes at least two meetings annually.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Youth advocates for Baw Baw ( YABBies ) offer school holidays fun with free creative, active events for Baw Baw Youth on April 2026
  Baw Baw’s YABBies are hosting free April school holiday events, including sushi making, painting, and skatepark activities, offering safe, fun, and engaging opportunities for youth aged 12–17 to connect and learn.
• GPAC’s Summer Nights series brings free outdoor movies and family fun to Gippsland community on 13, 14, 21 February and 20 March 2026
  GPAC’s Summer Nights brought families together with free outdoor movies, live entertainment, and food trucks, drawing strong community attendance and extending the series due to popular demand in Gippsland.
• Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.
• Share your update and present to South Gippsland Shire Councillors on issues that are important to you or your community on 4 March 2026
  Friends of Agnes Falls and Gippsland Agroforestry will present to Council at Venus Bay Community Centre, 2pm, 4 March. Presentations are monthly; all community members are welcome to attend.
• Gippslanders sound alarm over digital ID rollout, quiet steps toward a nationwide control system
  Australians voice growing concern over the creeping rollout of Digital ID, warning it's becoming mandatory despite government claims of voluntariness, sparking fears of surveillance, control, and loss of personal freedom.
• Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
  Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit.
• David Littleproud criticises Labor’s COP Summit bid as costly, self-serving, and out of touch amid Australia’s cost-of-living crisis
  Nationals leader David Littleproud slammed Labor’s $2 billion COP Summit bid as a self-serving, costly vanity project, prioritising global attention over Australians struggling with cost-of-living pressures and rising energy bills.
• Community sought for Teen Mental Health First Aid instructor training through Live4Life South Gippsland program initiative
  The Live4Life South Gippsland Partnership Group invites community members to apply for Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor training, with EOIs open until 29 March 2026. Contact 5662 9200 for inquiries.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor’s digital-only licence system, calling it discriminatory and locking out hunters lacking internet access
  Melina Bath urges Minister Dimopoulos to reinstate paper-based licence renewals, ensuring hunters aren’t excluded and focusing on hunting competency over digital skills