NEWS DESK
Western Port
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Snakes spring into action THE weather’s warming up and snakes are waking up. Just as warmer, sunny days send a signal that it’s fine for outdoor recreation the same applies for snakes, who see it as time to “get some sun, look for food and a mate”, according to scientist Nick Clemann. Senior scientist from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)’s Arthur Rylah Institute Mr Clemann said people were likely to see snakes when “walking dogs, cycling, bush walking, enjoying parks and gardening”. “Snakes are more common in areas around the urban fringe or in rural areas, but they do turn up surprisingly
Wednesday October 5th
Wednesday October 5th 2016 9.30am - 1.00pm New Peninsula Centre 370 Craigie Road, Mount Martha, Melways:146 A11
Come along and find out how to lead a healthy and active life. • Health screenings, workshops, and care planning • Demonstrations, displays and entertainment • FREE entry, morning tea and accessible parking
More information: Andie Murphy, Peninsula Health T: (03) 9784 8322 Email: ageingwellexpo@phcn.vic.gov.au Transport provided from Mornington, Southern Peninsula, Hastings and Frankston regions - gold coin donation. Bookings essential, seats are limited. Bus bookings open Monday 19th September and close 4.00pm Friday 30th September For buses in the Mornington Peninsula region call 9708 8241 or email peninsulatransportassist@gmail.com For buses in the Frankston region call or 1300 322 322
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Western Port News 27 September 2016
close to cities and towns, especially around watercourses and in parkland,” he said. Snakes frequently found near the coast are tigers and lowland copperheads while in the drier areas the most common snakes were eastern browns and red-bellied blacks. “All four species are dangerously venomous, but it is rare for them to bite people,” Mr Clemann said. “Being aware that snakes may be around and being informed about how to react to them are the most important aspects of managing snakes.” Mr Clemann’s advice to anyone seeing a snake was to “keep calm and try to move yourself, anyone with you
and your pets away from the snake”. He said snakes were protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and should not be harmed, killed or captured. “Bites can occur when people try to kill snakes,” he said. “Clean up around the house and cut lawns regularly – snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, or building materials.” He recommended that first aid kits include compression bandages and if someone is bitten, call 000 immediately. For more information call DELWP on 136 186 or call a licensed snake catcher. Keith Platt