Snake Warning In Balmy Melbourne

[k9angel]

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/10567604/snake-warning-in-balmy-melbourne/

Temperatures are on the rise in Melbourne and so are snake sightings in the suburbs.

Experts have warned of an increase in encounters between snakes and people, which is normal as the weather warms up and both species start to get out more.

"The conditions that bring snakes out are exactly the same conditions that bring people out, so that's always going to lead to an increase in encounters," Nick Clemann from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) said.

Melbourne enjoyed a 30C day on Thursday, following Wednesday's top of 29. The most important thing to remember if you find a snake in the backyard is not to interfere with it, Mr Clemann said.

"It is illegal and totally unsafe for Joe Public to mess with snakes," he said.

One of the easiest ways to keep snakes out of the backyard was to keep the garden free of rubbish, dead grass, leaves and other ground cover, he said.

"There are three reasons for that. One, it means less shelter for snakes, two, it means less cover for food for snakes, and three, it makes it easier to spot snakes," he said.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley said while snake bites were extremely rare, people should act with caution.

"Encounters with snakes are certainly not common, but doctors treat a handful of patients for snake bites each year, many of which could have been avoided," he said.

"If you are bitten, seek urgent medical attention and try to remember the colour or shape of the snake. This will help with treatment."

Enough bandages to bandage and splint an entire leg are an essential first-aid item in areas where people are likely to encounter snakes.

[experiencedfun]

There is a sign on a path through the bush between my place and the beach that a 4ft tiger snake was seen on the path earlier this week....just a warning for people to be aware.