SNAKE season has returned, with reptiles coming out to warm up in the sun.
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Wimmera Reptiles snake catcher Jason Stephens said in spring, snakes would start to move about again.
“They are coming out of brumation – when the weather starts getting to 21 to 22 degrees they will start showing,” he said.
“They will be looking for mates and will start to feed.”
The most common snake in the Wimmera is the eastern brown snake, which has the second highest toxicity venom rating in the world.
“The best thing to do when you see a snake is to keep your eye on it and then distance yourself. As soon as you are a distance away, call a licensed snake catcher,” Mr Stephens said. “People should never try to catch the snake themselves.”
Another snake common to the Ararat district is the tiger snake.
“If you get bitten by a snake, make sure to put a compression bandage on the bite immediately and then call an ambulance,” Mr Stephens said. “It is illegal to kill any native wildlife, including snakes.”
Mr Stephens said people could contact him on 0417 932 999 if they saw a snake, or call Wimmera-Mallee snake catcher John Zanker, near Brim, on 0408 578 480 or Jamie Lind, near Ararat, on 0419 533 812.
