As the weather warms up, snake sightings are expected to increase across Golden Plains with residents advised to keep their distance.
Golden Plains is known to have a high population of snakes with most species seen in and around residential areas in Golden Plains Shire being venomous. Whilst it’s rare for them to bite people, it’s advised that you stay well away.
To reduce the chance of snakes coming onto your property, and to make snakes more visible, please ensure you:
- Clean up around the house. Snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, or building materials.
- Cut your lawns regularly.
- Try to reduce the numbers of pests such as rats and mice which provide food for snakes.
If you do see a snake, there are some simple things you can do to stay safe:
- Keep calm and try to move away from the snake.
- Stay well away from the snake and ensure children and pets also keep their distance.
- Never try to touch, capture or kill the snake.
- If bitten, apply first aid and seek medical help immediately by calling 000.
- Call 136 186 if you need advice or a trained snake-catcher to remove a snake.
If you are the owner of vacant land, please think of your future neighbours and keep your block maintained, not just in summer but throughout the year.
Due to recent wet weather and further forecasted rain, Council’s annual fire prevention program has been delayed until the first week of December to allow for parts of the Shire that are too wet to slash or mow, to dry out.
For information about relocating native snakes, phone the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186.
Please be mindful snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it’s illegal to capture, kill or harm them.