Living with Snakes ...

While the majority of snakes found in Victoria, and in particular the western region of Melbourne are highly venomous, there's no need to be alarmed. Under most circumstances snakes will try to escape when they encounter humans, they will only bite when they find themselves cornered and can't escape.

During the hotter months snakes will be looking for water and are more often seen in residential areas due to the current drought conditions.

The Common Eastern Brown Snake can be found in many parts of Victoria including Bacchus Marsh, Myrniong and Parwon / Exford. These snakes are highly venomous and extremely aggressive if cornered.  If you encounter a brown snake do not make any sudden movements, such as trying to run away, as the snake is likely to think that you are about to attack it and consequently it will try to bite you. These snakes strike with amazing speed and with pin-point accuracy. The best thing to do is to remain perfectly still and allow the snake to move away. That way the snake doesn't see you as a threat and will leave you alone.

The Common Tiger Snake can be found in the Melton area and occasionally in Ballan and Greendale. Tiger snakes are associated with watercourses and swampy areas and their preferred food is frogs. They are extremely venomous and aggressive but normally won't bite unless they are stood on or handled.

The Copperhead Snake is found in cooler areas such as Ballan, Ballarat, Daylesford, Greendale, Trentham and Woodend. Copperhead snakes are very venomous but fortunately they are generally placid and very reluctant to bite.

If you are bitten by a snake ...

If you do unfortunately get bitten by a snake, don't try to attack or catch the snake for identification purposes because you'll generally receive further bites.

The most important thing to do is to apply a firm bandage to the affected area. If for example, you were bitten on the foot, the entire foot should be bandaged and extended right up to the knee. If bitten on the finger or hand bandage from the bite to above the elbow.

It's important to keep the patient calm and still, it is always best to call an ambulance. Don't wash the venom away as the hospital will need to swab the bite to identify which species of snake it was, so they can administer the most appropriate treatment.

All snake bites should be treated seriously by seeking urgent medical assistance, even if the person bitten is no showing any immediate symptoms.

Here are some suggestions for reducing the risk of encountering a snake in your backyard ...

• Keep your backyard tidy, avoiding piles of rubbish that provide great hiding spots for snakes.
  
• Make sure any grassed areas are kept short.
  
• Snakes like to prey on rats which in turn are attracted to aviaries, chicken pens and compost heaps, so it's important to keep these areas clean.
  
• Snakes are often found around ponds and dams (especially in times of drought), once again keep these areas neat and tidy.
  
• Lastly, it's advisable to wear gloves when working in the garden.

All native wildlife including Snakes & Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. Native wildlife includes birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that occur naturally in Australia.

For more detailed information about Snakes and other native animals contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria via eMail: customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au or visit their website: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au.

0438 681 090 available 24 hrs / 7 days