An Armadale reptile park manager has warned people not to approach snakes if they see one.
The advice comes after a new report found 65 per cent of fatal snake bites in Australia between 2000 and 2016 were from dugite attacks.
A total of 35 people were killed by venomous snakebites across Australia during the period with the so-called “brown snake” responsible for 23 of them.
The study by the University of Melbourne found 75 per cent of snakebite fatalities during the period were men and the median age was about 46-years-old.
Armadale Reptile and Fauna Park manager Klaas Gaikhorst said the best advice was to back away if you see a snake.
“(If you see a snake) ring someone who can deal with the problem, a snake catcher,” he said.
“There are a lot around.
“Ring up Wild Care Helpline. If they can’t get a hold of them they can ring the police or they can ring the city or someone like us.”
Juvenile dugites were about 30cm long and adults grew up to around 1.5 metres.
Mr Gaikhorst said keeping at least three metres away from an adult dugite was the safest option and most of the time if you do not approach them they will not approach you.
“(A common misconception of snakes is) that they’re going to have a go at you.
“They will if you get too close.”
Mr Gaikhorst’s advice was to keep a safe distance but to keep an eye on the snake so a trained catcher could remove them quickly when they arrive.
“If you persist and go even closer they will have a go at you,” he said.
“If you see the snake, back off.
“If he (stands) up in an “s” shape backs off. If you back off they’ll back off too.”
Snake season was coming to its end, as the weather becomes cooler and night temperatures dipped into single figures.
If an adult were bitten the best thing they could do was put a tight bandage around the area to restrict blood flow and get to the hospital within the hour.
Emergency support would be required more urgently if a child was bitten.
Mr Gaikhorst recommended people with chickens; aviaries or horse stables regularly wash out any holes mice might be able to live in to keep snakes away from properties.
If you spot a snake on your property you can call the Department of Parks and Wildlife’s Wildcare helpline on 9474 9055 who will provide contact details for reptile removers in your area.
