The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has put out a warning to remind residents about the increased likelihood of snake encounters now that spring is here.
Snakes are both hungry and searching for a mate during spring, making this season the most likely time to encounter them, especially very early in the morning or during late evening and nighttime.
DELWP Senior Wildlife Officer Abby Smith said after a cold winter snakes would be emerging to enjoy the warmer temperatures.
“Snakes are ectotherms, which means they get their heat from external sources, so residents are more likely to encounter them in spring,” Ms Smith said.
“It’s not uncommon to find snakes warming themselves on a path or in a clearing, particularly on a sunnier day, so it’s important we’re mindful that they can be out and about earlier than normally expected.”
Ms Smith said while Victoria was home to a range of venomous species, most snake bites occurred when people didn’t follow “snake sensible” guidelines.
“Snakes are generally very shy and prefer to keep away from people and often when a snake is found in a backyard it’s because it’s moving through the area to another habitat,” she said.
“In most encounters with humans, a snake will seek the fastest escape route and take off.
However, if cornered and feeling threatened, a snake may defend itself.”
It is illegal to capture, harm or kill snakes under the Wildlife Act 1975, and in case of an encounter DELWP recommends keeping calm and moving yourself and those with you, including pets, away from the area and calling DELWP on 136 186.
DELWP also suggested a range of preventative measures, including wearing long pants and sticking to cleared paths and trails, maintaining lawns and minimising clutter in areas around the house, and undertaking first aid training and keeping several compression bandages in your home first aid kit.
