A Seascapes couple have captured footage of a snake sunbaking along the footpath on Boardwalk Boulevard.
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The pair saw the snake while walking on October 22 and posted the video to the Mandurah Q&A Facebook page to warn local residents.
Warmer spring days have sparked the beginning of snake season, with the reptiles becoming active looking to breed and source food.
The season prompts new warnings to keep residents and pets safe in the Peel region.
Greenfields Vet Hospital’s Bec Flegg said she has already seen a number of pet snake bite cases with the recent warmer weather.
“It’s starting to get into that time of year for it,” she said.
“It can happen to dogs and cats – cats often think snakes are toys and get bitten trying to play with them.
”It can be very hard to avoid if you live in their natural habitat in the bush.
“Whether it’s a Dugite or Tiger snake, they can all be very, very deadly.
“If you suspect your animal has been bitten, get it to a vet immediately and call the vet on the way so they can have everything ready to go.
“Often the hardest part is trying to get anti venom in before there are too many signs of symptoms.
“The symptoms happen very quickly but if you get them to a vet quick enough and get a drip into them and medicate them, there is always a chance of survival.
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Pinjarra Vet Hospital recently posted their own warning on Facebook to “be vigilant” as summer approaches.
“Dogs will often try to hunt and kill snakes often resulting in bites to the face and or legs,” the post said.
“Cats, being hunters and chasers of anything that moves are also susceptible to snake bites.”
Signs of snake bite include:
- Sudden weakness followed by collapse.
- Shaking or twitching of the muscles and difficulty blinking.
- Vomiting.
- Loss of bladder and bowel control.
- Dilated pupils.
- Paralysis.
- Blood in urine.
If you believe your animal has been bitten by a snake, please keep calm and take them to the vet immediately.
Australia is home to the world’s most venomous snakes and sees thousands of snake bites occur throughout the year to humans as well, some being fatal.
A number of these snakes can be found in the Peel region, including Carpet Pythons, Dugites, King Brown (Mulga), Tiger and Western Brown snakes.
What to do if you see a snake:
- Don’t get too close and it shouldn’t bite you.
- Leave them alone and they will leave you alone.
- Don’t attack a snake, leave it to the professionals.
- Often a snake will move on by itself but if it is causing an issue, call a professional.
If you are bitten by a snake, administer first aid if you can and call Triple-Zero.
