Safety warning with snakes on move

DEADLY snakes are on the move across the Far North with breeding season now in full swing.

Atherton snake catcher Wayne Alderton has secured three brown snakes in recent days, prompting a call for safety.

“The biggest danger is eastern browns,” he said.

“They have the smallest fangs of all our venomous snakes and most people don’t even know they’ve been bitten.

“There’s been a few dogs bit bythem...anddied.

“They’re out and about now and they’ll be travelling anywhere and everywhere.”

Mr Alderton said the snakes were often found around people’s homes and food.

“Chook pens, animal food, anything that attracts mice and the rats,” he said.

“I urge residents to check on their elderly loved ones, especially if they are on their own.

“What happens is snakes enjoy a place to stay where there’s very little or no noise at all – and our elderly loved ones don’t make too much ruckus.

“Unfortunately they can also forget to close doors, or worse, they never close doors.”

Mr Alderton urged people to make themselves aware of basic first aid for snake bites as a little knowledge could save lives.

“Just take an hour out of your time, especially if you’re on semi-rural properties,” he said.