Year of the copperhead snake
Wake in fright AN elderly Langwarrin woman got a fright when she was woken by a man in her bedroom, 5am, Sunday last week. The woman, 82, bravely confronted the man, in his 20s, and told him to “get out”, police said. The man asked for money, saying he did “not want to hurt” the woman and she handed over a small amount from her purse. The man demanded more and the woman opened a small moneybox and gave him an unspecified sum. Police said the man gained entry through an unlocked window. He is described as 170cm tall, slim build, wearing a dark coloured hoodie and white/grey pants that might have been pyjamas. Anyone with information should call Detective Acting Sergeant Jason Hamilton-Smith, Frankston CIU, 9784 5555.
Mike Hast mike@baysidenews.com.au FORGET the Chinese Year of the Sheep or Goat, in terms of snakes in the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston and southeast region, it's the year of the copperhead snake. Peninsula licensed wildlife controller Barry Goldsmith says the copperhead is the dominant type of snake appearing as the weather warms, displacing last year's ‘year of the tiger snake’. “I've been removing on average two a day since the warm weather kicked in,” he said. Mr Goldsmith scotched the myth that there are more snakes around this year as animal hospitals and vets report a sharp increase in pets being bitten by snakes compared with this time last year. “It's very simple – as we reduce snake habitat by development, humans and their pets are more likely to come into contact with snakes even though we have fewer snakes than, say, 20 years ago,” he said. Building of homes, shops, roads and other infrastructure in the region is also reducing the number of places where snake-catchers can release their captures. He cited development in Mornington, Somerville and Rosebud in recent times for creating greater chances of humans (and their pets) encountering snakes. “What is now the Peninsula Sands estate in Rosebud South was a place where snake-catchers released relocated snakes for 100 years,” he said. Mr Goldsmith is a champion of
Police cup patrol
Serpent time: Peninsula-based snake catcher Barry Goldsmith with a copperhead snake captured at Bittern last week. Picture: Karen Goldsmith
snakes, regularly warning that it is illegal to kill snakes, and could attract a fine of more than $6000. “It's not only illegal but also dangerous as people could be exposing themselves to potential injury or death,” he said. “The head of a decapitated snake can live for 15 minutes or more and still bite. There was a case in NSW where a man cut a black snake in half and returned to dispose of it 24 hours later. He grabbed the front half and it bit him. “People need to be aware snakes are moving around looking for food and water; if you see a snake in your garden, leave it alone and you won't have a problem.” Killing a snake on your property
would just leave a vacuum that would be filled by another snake, he said. The three most common snakes in the region are copperheads, tiger snakes and red-bellied black snakes. “Having a copperhead or red-bellied black snake on your property is a good thing as they eat tiger snakes, which are more likely to bite humans and pets,” he said. “Tigers seek prey such as mice and rats, which live in sheds and houses, as well as birds and small mammals. “Copperheads mainly seek frogs, lizards – and other snakes.” Mr Goldsmith also warned about pets and snakes. “Snakes don't attack dogs; dogs attack snakes,” he said. Veterinarians say dogs should be kept
on a leash in dunes, long grass, bushland and beside creeks. Snake bites are difficult to detect on dogs and cats. First reactions can include trembling, rapid breathing, vomiting, defecation and collapse. After some of these signs, eye pupils may dilate (get bigger) and the animal's gait will become clumsy as the legs become progressively weaker. If the dose of venom is large enough, complete paralysis will occur, followed by death if untreated with anti-venom. If treated immediately, pets have a good chance of survival and recovery. The best course of action is to keep your pet as calm and still as possible and get them to a vet. Information: snakecatchervictoria. com.au
POLICE are warning drivers they will be out in force over the Melbourne Cup weekend in Operation Furlong, which runs Friday 30 October-Tuesday 3 November in Frankston and surrounding suburbs. “We will be using all available personnel from road policing units, uniform personnel and other regional resources,” Senior Sergeant Steve Burt said. “The major focus will be on speeding, fatigue, impaired driving, seat belt offences and using mobile phones – on major roads and back roads. “We will also be looking at hotels and liquor outlets and generally thinking outside the square.” Senior Sergeant Burt said drivers using their mobiles would be especially targeted.
Teeing off for better health care A FIELD of 180 amateur golfers took to the fairways at The National Golf Course last Tuesday (20 October to help raise funds for The Bays Hospital. The National Golf Course turned on a great day with fantastic golfing conditions, showcasing its reputation as one of the best pieces of golf real estate in Australia, raising over $40,000 for The Bays Hospital Group. Since its inception the annual Charity Golf Day has raised more than $500,000. All money raised from the event will be donated to The Bays Hospital Group building projects, such as the new day infusion service at Mornington which is due to open later this year. For some time The Bays has offered a range of surgical
services for patients with malignant tumours. The new unit will broaden the scope of services considerably to offer infusion and haematology, as well as chemotherapy and oncology. The Bays Hospital Group is an icon on the Mornington Peninsula with deep roots reaching out into the community and across generations. The Bays Hospital has served the community for nearly 80 years and remains the only not-for-profit and community-owned hospital in Victoria. The Bays Hospital Group does not receive ongoing funding from either state or federal governments and relies on the support of the local community to remain viable. All funds generated by the hospital and aged care facility are reinvested
into the provision of state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and services in the best interests of patients and residents. “In recent years we have turned our focus to the development and expansion of services and facilities,” Bays director of nursing Anita Woods said. Proceeds from events like the annual Charity Golf Day help fund The Bays Hospital Group’s building projects to ensure that we meet the growing needs of the community that we serve. Our patients and residents are at the heart of everything we do”. To find out how to donate or for more information on the organisation, including volunteering, see thebays.com.au or call 5975 2009.
Aiming for the green: Melbourne Pathology’s Dr John Choi gets into the swing of things at the Bays Hospital Charity Golf Day.
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