It’s set to be a hot, dry summer and snakes are already on the move in the Shoalhaven.
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Snake season officially began on the first day of spring, and there have already been several reports of snake interactions in the region.
Licensed snake catcher Shaun Armstrong from Shoalhaven Snake Catchers said while activity was starting to pick-up, there was no need to fear.
“It’s business as usual, we are getting a few calls a week for assistance at the moment,” he said.
“There’s no need to be scared, they’re not trying to hurt anyone.”
Mr Armstrong said the most common snakes in the region were Red Belly Black snakes and Diamond Pythons.
“Areas that surround swampland are more common [for snakes],” he said.
“But we get calls from right across the Shoalhaven, there’s no particular spot that’s busier than others.”
While many people have heard Red Belly Black snakes keep the brown snakes away, Mr Armstrong said this was “a complete myth”.
“Every snake has its own particular habitat and eco systems,” he said.
“Snakes are opportunist eaters, the bigger snakes will eat the smaller snakes.”
The drought hasn’t just affected our farmers, it’ also has an affect on our snakes.
Mr Armstrong said due to the dry conditions, snakes will be moving further to search for larger bodies of water.
“If you’ve got a backyard with a large water feature they could be drawn to something like that,” he said.
Most people often panic when they see a snake in their backyards, but Mr Armstrong said the best thing to do was remain calm, and in control.
“Get all children and pets inside and keep a safe distance,” he said.
“Keep an eye on it and if it tends to stick around then it’s best to call a snake catcher.”
Once caught the snakes are released into state reserves.
If bitten by a snake, Mr Armstrong said it was important to stay calm, to apply a compression bandage and immobilise the limb.
Shaun has been a licensed snake catcher for the past three years, and is passionate about both reptiles and wildlife conservation.
Call Shoalhaven Snake Catchers on 0481 811 855.