Animals in water pose risk

FAR Northern residents are urged to be aware of dangerous animals that could lurking in and around flooded areas across the region.

The call comes after a man in his 20s was bitten on the hand by a suspected brown snake on Wongaling Beach Road early yesterday morning.

The local man was taken to Innisfail Hospital in a stable condition.

Dave Goodwin of Nana and Poppy’s Snake Removals said that snakes were more likely to be out in the first few days of rainfall.

Covering from Innisfail to Tully Heads, he said about 90 per cent of his calls were brown tree snakes.

“Once the rain initially starts then that’s when they come out and start looking for food,” he said.

“... they only need a meal every couple of weeks,” he said.

“Our wildlife is used to the rain and when the rain comes down for a couple of days they head to higher ground.

“But in the flood waters they’re being flushed out of their holes.”

Mr Goodwin urged anyone who sees a snake to stay clear.

“People who play with snakes are fools,” he said.

Queensland Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said with their natural environment under threat, animals such as snakes, crocodiles and bull sharks could turn up unexpectedly.

“Fast water flows and contaminants are not the only potential dangers presented by flood water – there are also some species we have to watch out for,” she said.

“Don’t attempt to catch or remove a snake if you see one.

“Contact a local licensed snake removalist if you need assistance.”