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A
Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers Factsheet |
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This factsheet contains information sourced from members
of Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers, members of other groups,
independent advice, and research.
We hope you find the information below useful, and it helps
to answer your questions on this subject. If you have any
further questions, please feel free to contact us on the
email link below left.
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LIVING
WITH SNAKES |
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Baby
Carpet Python (harmless)
Photo: Graeme & Debbie Lloyd |
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The NSW far north coast region is home to around 20 species
of snakes. They range in size from 20cm to 400cm. Colour
and patterning can vary immensely, not only between different
species, but also even among individual snakes of the same
species. In addition, the juveniles of many species differ
in colour and markings from their adult form. All of this
is usually compounded by a fleeting glimpse, which makes
identification extremely difficult.
Of these 20 odd species only a handful are considered dangerous
to humans, and, unless you live in very bushy surroundings,
you are unlikely to see most of these. Snakes are generally
solitary animals although two or more may been seen associating
in spring during mating activities. Individuals of a few
species sometimes congregate at the same site during the
colder months.
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Green
Tree Snake (harmless)
Photo: Graeme & Debbie Lloyd |
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Even if you
live in built up suburbia there is more than likely a snake
nearby. We rarely see them because most of the time they are
hidden from sight, and when they aren't they are masters of
camouflage. A snake's first line of defence against predators
is to stay motionless, and thereby undetected. Most of the
time this works. If it fails, the snake's reactions may vary
widely, but there is usually a warning. (Snakes do not want
to bite large animals because the resulting retaliation can
be fatal to the snake). If a confrontation or potential contact
with a large animal seems imminent, a snake may immediately
attempt to make its presence known through sight and sound.
(Humans are not the only large animals with an innate fear
of snakes, and they take advantage of this fact). A sudden
movement is the best way a snake can alert you of its presence.
If this fails to halt the approaching threat, a hasty retreat
is usually a snake's preferred "last ditch" attempt
to avoid injury. However, depending on the snake's personality
and temperament at the time, an attempted bite may ensue,
even from a harmless species.
So, with this brief insight into snake behaviour, living
with snakes becomes a safe and simple task. In a nutshell
- BE AWARE. When you are outdoors, think "snake"
in the same way you think "car" when you are near
a road. You do not need to fear snakes any more than you
fear cars. Be prepared to encounter a snake, even in suburbia.
When you do, give it time and space to withdraw. If the
snake is still in the motionless phase, take a couple of
steps back and avert your eyes so that you can still see
the snake with your peripheral vision. Once the snake feels
safe it will move away.
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Blue
phase Green Tree Snake (harmless)
Photo:
Graeme & Debbie Lloyd |
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Tips to avoid snakes,
and what to do when you see them.
There are a few simple measures, which you can employ,
to minimize the chances of snakes being on your property:
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Snakes tend to avoid open, exposed areas - keep grass mown
low and do not leave anything lying on the ground which
could provide shelter or cover for snakes.
Many snakes eat mice and rats - be sure no foodstuffs are
available to these rodents. Possible sources of food could
include uneaten pet food, birdseed from caged birds, or
a compost bin not proofed against mice. Anything that attracts
rodents can indirectly attract snakes.
Finally don't forget that native fauna, including all species
of snake, are protected by law. Do not allow anyone to interfere
with or injure snakes, it is dangerous and illegal. If you
really feel threatened by a snake's presence, a relocation
service is available at a cost. Although snakes probably
fare better than mammals after relocation, because they
can survive long periods without food, the best course of
action is to leave the snake where it is. Be sure to confine
your pets inside the house while a snake is on or around
your property.
With these common sense guidelines snakebite should never
occur at your place. Never the less if you, or someone you
are with, is bitten by a snake, first aid is simple. Apply
a pressure bandage (as for a sprain) immediately over the
bite site and down, then up the limb, which should be splinted
(a rolled up newspaper is easy and effective) to keep limb
immobile. Ring for an ambulance and keep the patient calm
and still. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake for
identification.
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Eastern brown Snake (venomous)
Photo: Graeme & Debbie Lloyd
This snake is being handled by a
very experienced snake handler
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Facts, Myths and
Old Wives (age challenged female spouses) Tales.
• Snakes do not find milk irresistible and will not
be lured from a hiding place by a saucer of milk.
• Dogs (and cats), which regularly kill snakes,
are not immune to snake venom. They have just been lucky
(up till now).
• King Brown snakes actually belong to the Black
Snake genus and are not endemic to (found naturally in)
the Tweed area.
• Browns and Blacks (or any other venomous snakes)
cannot interbreed with Carpet Pythons. ALL Carpet Pythons
are harmless. Those, which are particularly aggressive,
have pugnacious personalities or you've just stepped on
its tail.
• Brown Snakes can have cream, brown, or black dorsal
(back) colour.
• Green Tree Snakes can have brown, green, or black
dorsal colour.
• Australian snakes cannot change colour like a Chamaeleon.
• Many amateur Red-bellied Black snake identifications
should correctly be assigned to Small-Eyed Snakes.
• The Keelback or Freshwater Snake is the only local
species of snake, which is not harmed by eating Cane Toads.
• Broken eggshells around the inside of your house
will not keep snakes out. Ensure, windows and doors seal
correctly and do not leave screen doors open.
In conclusion snakes are fascinating and unique creatures
which play a vital role in ecology. Apart from the pharmacological
benefits that snakes have provided for mankind, they also
contribute economically by controlling rodents in suburbia
and rural areas. At the very least snakes deserve our respect
and a secure future on this planet.
Some snakes are not
snakes at all...
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Burtons Legless Lizard
(harmless)
Photo: Graeme & Debbie Lloyd
This looks like a snake, moves like a snake, but it is
in fact a lizard without legs.
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This article was kindly written and supplied
by:
Graeme & Deborah Lloyd
Wildlife Relocation and Management Services
P.O. Box 449. Tweed Heads. NSW. 2485. Australia
Phone: Office (07) 55904301
Phone: Mobile: 0409 272 247 (24 hours)
Fax: (07) 55904701
email: wildlife@powerup.com.au
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