Leave snakes to experts: catcher

A Yallingup snake catcher has warned residents to be on the look- out for snakes as the weather warms up.

Naturaliste Reptile Park owner Roger Jackson said he had already received a dozen callouts to remove snakes from properties since the start of spring.

Mr Jackson said within the next month he would typically start to get calls every day.

“The best advice is if you see a snake, just leave it alone,” he said.

“Almost all people who are bitten are trying to kill or catch the snake.

"If you leave the snake alone it will move along. Keep an eye on it and track its movement.

“Otherwise call a snake catcher, the City of Busselton or the Department of Parks and Wildlife to have it removed.”

Mr Jackson said bushwalkers should wear long pants and shoes during snake season, despite the hot weather.

Property owners should keep their grass short and clear debris from under bushes and shrubs to reduce the risk of snakes.

“Keep wood piles off the ground, keep your property tidy and free of rodents, ” he said.

“If you are bitten, stay as still as possible, apply a pressure bandage along the length of the limb and seek medical attention at once.

“Alert the hospital in advance to let them know you’ve been bitten.”

Snakes are active at this time of year as they emerge from hibernation and roam more widely in search of food and water.

While the dugite and tiger snake are the most well-known, Mr Jackson said other species such as the South West carpet python were also common in the Busselton area.

The growth of Busselton and Dunsborough also meant snake encounters were becoming more common as populated areas encroach on their territory, he said.

“I’ve been doing snake removals for more than 20 years and there’s been a big increase in snake encounters, ” he said. “People say there are more snakes but there aren’t. With more people around, there’s more chance of bumping into snakes.

“I think the awareness of snakes is better than what it used to be; it’s just when people try to deal with them themselves it’s dangerous.”

Mr Jackson also reminded pet owners to keep dogs on a lead when walking in the bush or on coastal tracks.

People say there are more snakes but there aren’t. With more people around there’s more chance of bumping into snakes.Naturaliste Reptile Park owner Roger Jackson

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