First up, let’s be clear this is to inform those of us who need some local snake knowledge and a reminder for those who are as used to seeing snakes as their pet dog.

The warmer months keep us indoors more, trying to keep cool. Snakes however become more active. It’s not that there are more snakes, but, you are probably more likely to see one at this time of the year.

During the cooler months snakes can go months without eating. The warmth brings them outdoors looking for food and to mate, which sounds like a great holiday, sunshine, food and…. we’ll leave that there.

So with snakes being more active, we need to remember what to do, why and when.

We must also remember their importance in the ecosystem. A significant proportion of snakes keep certain pray numbers under control and are also food for other predators. 
Did you know it is illegal to take a snake from the wild and it is illegal to kill a snake? Snakes are a protected species under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

There are many, many varieties of snakes in Far North Queensland ranging from the infamous and highly venomous Death Adder, who likes to bury itself in sand, soil or leaves, to the non-venomous common tree snake. Unless you are an expert snake identifier the advice is to keep a respectful distance from ALL snakes.

Wildlife Supervisor Rebecca from Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat’s advice, is to treat all snakes as venomous and keep away.

Importantly, she adds that it’s best practice to keep your grass lawns short. Don't leave piles of rubbish or timber in your yard. This is the perfect spot for a snake to spend time and will be a huge shock when you move it.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) gives very practical advice. Make your backyard unsuitable for snakes, by keeping garden beds away from the house. Stop snakes entering your home by blocking all entry points such as screens and windows.

If a snake does get into your house, the EHP advise you close the internal door and open the external door to allow the snake to leave. Never interfere with a snake, they will defend themselves. Most bites occur when people try to handle the snake.

If you are unlucky and do receive a snake bite, there are simple but very important steps to follow.

1. Do not panic, keep still and calm. Movement will allow the venom to move around your body.
2. Apply pressure and immobilise the limb. Most likely, you won’t have a pressure bandage in your pocket, so by ripping up a piece of clothing make a broad bandage and bind along the limb starting at the bite area. Try not to go so tight that you cut off the circulation. Then bandage down the limb and then back up over the entire limb. You should bandage over your clothes if you have been bitten through them.
3. Do steps 1 and 2, then call ‘000’ or call for help. Do not attempt to catch the snake, it will likely bite again.
4. Remember to keep calm, walk, don’t run. This will slow down movement of the venom in your body.
   
   

Thankfully there are local snake catchers who can be called for a small fee to remove a snake from your home. They are:

Dean - 0417 728 828
Chris - 0410 417 605

The Wildlife Habitat is also happy to be contacted during business hours if you need help or advice.

Lastly, it’s good to know that on average only one to two people die each year from a snake bite. We can all live together in this beautiful ecosystem, give the snakes some respect.