Australians have been warned to be wary of snakes as rising temperatures drive the reptiles outdoors.
Experts say unusually warm spring weather has led to an increase in snake sightings, including the deadly brown snake, which is responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths nationwide.
“Normally snakes don’t emerge from hibernation until September. However, due to the unusually warm weather, experts are warning that snakes could be active much earlier this year,” said Australian Reptile Park operations manager Billy Collett.
Cold-blooded reptiles, such as snakes, often seek out cool, hidden places to escape the heat.
To avoid unexpected encounters with potentially dangerous snakes, it is important to take some precautions.
‘All households should keep the grass areas around their homes mowed and well maintained, and avoid piling up firewood or accumulating piles of branches,’ he explained.
‘Tin sheets or any household items like these stacked together can absorb heat and provide a perfect artificial habitat for snakes. These areas provide a safe haven for snakes as they sit in stealth mode waiting for prey to feed on and if startled they will defend themselves by biting.
Smaller snakes are more likely to hide in thick bushes, as this will warm them up during the day and keep the cold-blooded reptile warm at night.
Snakes are not aggressive by nature and prefer to retreat. The only time they attack people is when they themselves are attacked, provoked or captured.
“It’s important for all Australians to know that they should not do anything to harm people,” Gollett said.
Mr Collett added that people should avoid any encounter with a snake, regardless of the species.
There are around 140 different species of snakes living in Australia, but 100 of them are poisonous and only 12 species can kill you if they bite you.
The coastal and inland regions of the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales are particularly dangerous, as they are home to some of the most venomous snakes in the country.
Experts have warned Australians about potentially deadly snakes (pictured: Eastern brown snake) that are waking up from their winter hibernation early this year due to an unseasonable heatwave.
Experts have warned Australians there has already been a rise in snake sightings, which they say is “out of the ordinary”.
These include the coastal taipan, considered the second most venomous snake in the world, the eastern brown snake and the mainland tiger snake.
“Snake bites mostly occur when people try to catch or kill the snake, so if you don’t do either of those things, there’s a better chance that everything will turn out okay,” he said.
In the event of a bite, the victim should remain “calm and still” while emergency services are called so they can receive treatment.
A bandage should also be wrapped tightly around the bite site and the surrounding limb and all jewelry should be removed.
“By applying the pressure immobilization bandage, the venom cannot easily spread through the body, which slows down the envenoming process and gives the bite victim more time to seek medical attention at the hospital,” Collett said.
‘Depending on the species of venomous snake, a bite could destroy blood cells, cause blood clots or excessive bleeding, and destroy tissue.
‘If not treated properly with first aid immediately, death can occur in as little as 30 minutes.’