Another snake bite in Port Douglas
ON THE MOVE
WILDLIFE experts say locals should be aware of increased snake activity in the region following two snake bites in Port Douglas.
A man was taken to Mossman Hospital just after 7.30pm last night after being bitten on Davidson Street.
The incident followed a 38-year-old woman being transported from Mossman to Cairns Hospital last week after being bitten on Port Douglas Road.
Rabecca Lynch from the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas said snakes were getting more lively in the transition from cool to warmer weather.
“During the winter, snakes go into what’s called a torpor; they slow their body system right down and don’t move around as much,” she said.
“As the weather begins to warm up, snakes become more active, they begin moving around a lot more looking for food, and looking for mates.
“This is why you’re likely to be seeing more activity, so it’s about being a bit more aware.”
Although the most common snakes in the Douglas Shire are non-venomous pythons, the deadly coastal taipan and death adder are also found.
Cairns man David Pitt, 77, was killed last year after being struck on the foot by a taipan in December. He discovered the reptile, regarded as the deadliest in Australia, in a bedroom of his Yorkeys Knob home.
Lynch said local residents should be conscious of not having food sources around and be careful around concealed areas.
“If you keep the rodents away, chances are you’ll keep any snakes away,” she said.
“Snakes will generally look for areas they can make their own and hide out in, such as log piles or around bricks.
“They only ever bite to protect themselves or to eat, so most bites on humans occur when the snake has been surprised or startled.
“They don’t just wake up and go ‘I’m going to go bite myself a human today."
The wildlife supervisor said snakes played an important role in the ecosystem and should never be killed.
* If you come across a snake, call the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas on (07) 4099 3235 who will be able to assist in the removal if staff are available.
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
* Readers are encouraged to use their full details below to ensure comment legitimacy. Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Comments containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory or abusive material will not be published.
