Warmer days are nice, but watch your step

TASMANIANS are being warned to keep watch for heightened snake activity, with the reptiles having emerged from their winter dormancy earlier than usual, a snake expert says.

Reptile Rescue Incorporated handler Justin Kneebone said snakes usually did not become fully active until mid-October.

“It’s started a bit earlier than normal. Since July, we have had some call-outs around the state, which is quite unusual,” Mr Kneebone said.

“I think it’s because we don’t really have that seasonal winter anymore.

“We’ve had the warmest winter we’ve had in many years, so they’re getting out and about. At the moment they will come out on sunny days when there’s a bit of warmth out.”

Mr Kneebone said snakes on the move would be looking for food.

“They haven’t eaten in months, so they go searching

for food. There’s usually mice and rats and baby birds they can eat.”

There are three types of snakes in Tasmania – the copperhead, the white lipped snake and the tiger snake. All three are venomous. In January last year, a 79year-old man died after being bitten by a tiger snake, in what was the first reported death by snake bite in Tasmania in 43 years.

“Down south, tiger snakes are the most common people will come across and they can be common along bushwalking tracks,” Mr Kneebone said.

The snake handler warned that Tasmanians should be vigilant.

“If people are bushwalking, they need to watch where they’re going and take precautions,” he said

“I would recommend carrying compression bandages.

“They can wrap the bandages on any bites they get – that will restrict the flow of venom and give you time to get to hospital and get better help,” he said.

Mr Kneebone said property owners should also be on the lookout.

“If you live in an area where you know there’s a lot of snakes about, just be a little bit wary when you’re in the garden and be wary for your pets,” he said.

“Keep the yard nice and tidy. If you’ve got chooks and birds, try not to get the seeds around, that will attract mice and rats, which will attract snakes,” he said.

Mr Kneebone said if you came across a snake, keep an eye on the animal from a safe distance. Do not try to approach the snake or attempt to pick it up.

REPTILE RESCUE CAN BE CONTACTED FOR SNAKE CALLOUTS 24/7 ON 0499 116 690.