Local residents are being urged to be wary after a spike in local snake reports in the Castlemaine region following the 2022 floods and recent rain events.
Campbells Creek resident Naomi Jones told the Mail she had spotted three snakes in the local area in the weeks after floodwaters from Campbells Creek inundated the township.
“We had one just behind our property which backs onto Campbells Creek, we came across another along the Campbells Creek Walking/Cycling Trail and I also saw another one sunning itself on top of a grave at the local cemetery,” Naomi said.
“Many people use the walking/cycling trail, some with dogs off leads and I’m concerned it will only be a matter of time before a dog is bitten,” Naomi said.
On Tuesday last week a local resident reported on social media site Castlemania that she almost stood on a small brown snake in the gutter outside Maxi IGA in Hargraves Street.
“It was heading across to the laundromat and got scared by a passing car so headed back towards me,” she said.
Harcourt Pool was also closed earlier this month when a snake was reportedly discovered in the pool.
Castlemaine based snake catcher Adam Leslie said he hasn’t seen a dramatic increase in numbers this summer but with the wet weather snakes will move to higher ground.
“I average around 50-60 snake catches a year. Many of the snakes I pick up in town have come up storm drains out of Forest and Barkers Creeks,” he said.
Adam’s advice to community members is to make sure they keep their lawns mowed and tidy up any piles of materials etc where snakes can hide.
“Brown snakes in particular are very good at living around humans as they like to feed on mice. They will get to know your movements and your dogs movements and they will usually keep out of sight when you are around,” he said.
“The Eastern Brown Snake is the second most deadly snake in the world but they rarely bite and when they do its rare for them to inject venom. Up to 1000 people die each year in accidents falling from ladders, only one or two from snake bite. Be sensible, clean up your property. Snakes don’t like change, they will move on. If not call a professional snake catcher and they can relocate them safely (for a fee),” he said.
A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) spokesperson said many snakes have been displaced during the floods.
“This means snakes may be looking for shelter and food in flood-affected areas where you might not normally see them, like homes, sheds, or in floodwater swimming to higher ground.
If you live in a flood-affected area, stay alert to your surroundings,” the spokesperson said.
DEECA Senior Wildlife Projects Officer Leila Brook said sunny weather also means it’s more likely people will encounter a snake.
“It’s not uncommon to find snakes warming themselves on a rock, path, or in a clearing during early spring, particularly on a sunnier day, so it’s important we’re mindful that they can be out and about earlier than normally expected,” Ms Brook said.
“Snakes are generally shy and prefer to keep away from people. Often when a snake is found in a backyard it’s because it’s moving through the area to another habitat.
“In most encounters with humans, a snake will seek the fastest escape route and take off.
“However, if cornered and feeling threatened, a snake may defend itself”.
Snake species found in the Loddon Mallee region include the Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis), the Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus), and the Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus).
“These three species are venomous, but it is rare for them to bite people. Most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill a snake.
“Being aware that snakes may be around and being informed about how to react to them is important at this time of year,” Ms Brook said.
If you live in an area with snakes, please remember:
• When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people.
• Wear long pants and footwear, and stick to cleared paths and trails.
• If you see a snake, keep calm and move yourself and anyone with you (including pets) away from the area.
• Don’t attempt to capture or harm snakes. Instead, call DEECA on 136 186 for further advice or a local snake catcher which can be found listed on the Mount Alexander Shire Council website.
• Maintain lawns and clean up around your house, as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, chook sheds, sheets of metal, and building materials.
• Undertake first aid training and ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages. If someone is bitten, call 000 immediately.
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to capture, harm, or kill them. If you have information about people wilfully destroying protected wildlife, please contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.