With an already warmer-than-usual winter behind us and temperatures continuing to rise, the Australian Reptile Park is issuing an urgent warning: snake season is here.
Operations Manager Brandon Gifford is urging all Australians to be vigilant and prepared.
“The snakes are on the move, and we’ve had more reports than usual for this time of year,” Brandon said. “Because snakes heat up and cool down with their environment, the warmer weather gets them to start feeding and start breeding.”
Protecting Your Home and Family
Keeping snakes out starts with simple steps around the house. The Australian Reptile Park advises households to:
- Keep doors and windows closed to stop snakes entering the home
- Remove scraps of metal, piles of timber and other debris from the backyard, these heat up in the sun and become ideal snake shelters
- Keep lawns well-trimmed and gardens tidy
- Avoid accumulating clutter that creates hiding spots close to the house
If You See a Snake
If a snake is spotted in or around the home, the Australian Reptile Park’s advice is clear: do not approach it.
“If you encounter a snake in your place, in or outside of the house, call a professional and leave it to the snake catcher. Don’t try and approach it yourself and be a hero, because most people are bitten when they’re trying to interact with the animal,” Brandon said. “Leave it to professionals and they can safely relocate it out in the bush.”
Snake Bite First Aid
If the worst happens, knowing snake bite first aid could save a life. Apply first aid immediately, before calling for help.
- Remove watches and jewellery from the affected limb
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the bite site and then up the entire limb. If no bandage is available, a piece of clothing will do
- Call triple zero and stay calm until help arrives
“Whether you think it’s venomous or not, treat all bites the same and apply immediate snake bite first aid whilst also sending for help. This will allow you to get to the hospital and be treated for symptoms in time,” Brandon said.
CSL Seqirus has also released the free Australian Bites and Stings app, which provides first aid guidance and emergency information for snake bites and other venomous creatures. Download it at cslseqirus.com.au/expertise/antivenom-and-q-fever-vaccines/australian-bites-and-stings.
The Australian Reptile Park is the sole supplier of terrestrial snake venom for antivenom production in Australia. Over 60 years, the Park’s antivenom program has saved an estimated 25,000 lives.
Australian Reptile Park, Pacific Highway, Somersby
