A massive spike in snake sightings has triggered an urgent warning for millions of Aussies and their pets, as the slithery reptiles venture into backyards on the hunt for food.
Rising temperatures on Australia’s east coast has resulted in snakes getting out and about as they look for a mate and a meal, now the winter cold is over.
While snakes don’t hibernate in the colder months they go into a state known as ‘brumation’ where they will sleep for long periods of time meaning they are less active and therefore hunt less.
In New South Wales especially snake sightings are on the rise as last week a western Sydney man was rushed to hospital after being bitten by a brown snake.
The man in his 30s was bitten at Lizard Log nature playground in Abbotsbury, in Western Sydney Parklands, a popular spot for families.
Australians are being warned to be extra careful with their movements and that of their pets as snake sightings spike as temperatures begin to rise (stock image)
Central Coast snake catcher Matt Stopford said he is receiving around six calls a day to remove snakes from homes or backyards
Meanwhile on the Central Coast, snake catcher Matt Stopford told 9News he is receiving around six calls a day to remove snakes from homes or backyards.
‘At the moment they’re just coming out of torpor, they’re starting to warm up and they’re getting on the move and starting to look for mates and food,’ Mr Stopford said.
He warned anyone who saw a snake to keep a distance and to not catch or kill them and instead call a snake catcher.
‘Catching or killing a snake in NSW without a license can incur a fine of up to $10,000 and or ten years in prison,’ Mr Stopford said.
He warned anyone who saw a snake to keep a distance and to not catch or kill them and instead call a snake catcher
Natasha Evans from the Animal Referral Hospital in Gosford also warned pet owners to be vigilant after a cattle dog required anti-venom and a transfusion after being bitten by a red belly black snake.
‘Often they have some signs immediately after they’re bitten, they might vomit, they might collapse, sometimes they’ll seem like they’re not quite right,’ Natasha Evans said.
Sydney vet Dr Tim Montgomer took to Facebook to also tell owners to be vigilant.
‘Dogs are curious and they find snakes very exciting. There are no fool proof ways to protect your dogs from snake bites,’ he said.
‘If you find your dog has been outside and it comes in acting strangely and if you live in area where there could be snakes, pay a visit to your local vet just to be safe.’
He said while symptoms of snakes bites can vary depending on the species some signs to look out for include wobbling, trembling, vomiting, agitation, limping and visible wounds.