The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) has warned Peel residents to start keeping their eyes peeled for snakes, as the weather warms and we begin to approach the summer snake season.
DPAW spokesman Matt Swan said even though it’s very early to be too concerned about snake numbers just yet, people should be careful not to inadvertently corner or otherwise pressure snakes.
“We never describe snakes as aggressive or territorial when it comes to humans, because in the end there’s no reason for them to be aggressive to humans,” Mr Swan said.
“They just waste venom, and they don’t get a meal out of it. So whenever we talk about snakes attacking humans, we’re talking about them being defensive, about them being backed into a corner or something and only really having the option to attack left to them.”
Mr Swan said a large number of snake bites occurring in summer come from people trying to catch or kill snakes, something which he advises against.
“That’s why Parks and Wildlife would ask people to contact the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 and get put in touch with a qualified reptile remover.
“These people have undergone training and have been certified by the department, so they know what they’re doing. They work on a volunteer basis, but I know that there are many dedicated wildlife volunteers in the Peel area who are always on to this sort of thing.”
Mr Swan said the two most common species of snake seen in the Mandurah area were dugites and tiger snakes, both species which are commonly seen as aggressive.
With the snake season approaching, there is also the increased danger to domestic household pets, who could potentially be a target for snakes.
Mr Swan said preventing snakes from spending too much time in your back yard was simply a matter of hygiene.
“Snakes will come into your yard if there’s a food source, or somewhere dark and hidden away to shelter,” Mr Swan said.
“So we advise people every year to just do a little maintenance to keep their yards free of anything that may attract snakes – loose logs, old drums and tires, that sort of thing.
Also anything that attracts birds – such as fruits on palm trees – will attract snakes, because they know there’ll be birds around.
“If you’ve got pet birds or chickens, clean up around their cages. Cleaning up things like loose seeds will help make sure the snakes keep on moving.”
For more information on snakes, go to the Department of Parks and Wildlife’s website, dpaw.wa.gov.au.
