August 20, 2012

The Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection is warning people to look out for snakes as warmer weather is making the reptiles more active.

EHP Director Wildlife Management Dr Ashley Bunce said lush growth from good rains this year also meant people should be extra cautious in their homes, gardens and workplaces and when hiking.

“Reptiles are an interesting and important part of the wildlife found in Queensland but most people don’t welcome surprise encounters with snakes,” Dr Bunce said.

“Snakes present little or no danger to people when they are left alone. A few precautions will reduce the chances of surprise meetings. If you see a snake, give it a wide berth and don’t threaten or provoke it.

“Most bites happen when people threaten a snake by interfering with it or trying to kill it. Leave it alone, and after a while the snake should move on.

“If you find a snake indoors, open external doors and windows, close internal doors and place ‘door snakes’ or rolled towels along the bottom of those doors.

“If the reptile shows no signs of moving after an hour, residents should contact a licensed snake remover.”

Dr Bunce said EHP did not remove snakes but licensed private contractors could do so, generally on a fee-for-service basis.

“In yards, remove rubbish piles, sheets of tin and stores of timber where snakes might shelter and also keep grass short. Wear gardening gloves and remove any food sources for snakes or their prey,” he said.

“When in the bush, take care and never pick up any type of reptile. Stay on formed paths or tracks so you can spot and avoid snakes, and do not walk alone.

“Wear protective clothing such as covered shoes and trousers and carry a torch at night. Carry a first aid kit, and if someone is bitten, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, avoid moving the patient and seek medical attention immediately.”

EHP also reminded people that snakes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and cannot be taken from the wild to be kept as pets.

Keeping a snake or any type of reptile requires a licence from EHP, and reptiles must be obtained from licensed breeders.