AS the weather continues to heat up, it is not uncommon to see snakes on the move.
Veteran snake catcher Vanessa Bull, who has a passion for educating people about snakes, was more than happy to share her tips with the Tamborine Mountain News.
Vanessa has been relocating snakes on Tamborine Mountain for nearly 20 years, since she was Deputy Mayor and the former Beaudesert Shire stopped sending officers to do it.
She told the Tamborine Mountain News most snakes she relocated on the mountain were carpet snakes, but she had seen a rise in venomous snakes like Eastern browns and red belly black snakes.
She said it was important for people to be educated and aware of what to do around snakes.
Snake bites
“If you are bitten by a snake don’t be a hero, call 000 immediately and wait for the ambulance to come.”
That is the clear word from Vanessa in a document she created about snake safety.
She said staying calm and acting smartly was key.
“Firstly, make sure you are out of the snake’s way, so the snake does not try to strike again, and don’t panic. Panic causes trauma and helps no one as it sends blood pulsing around your body and venom to your heart, so try to stay calm,” she said.
“The essence is to stay still, lie down. Apply a splint if you can, not too tight, as for a sprain.
“Do not wash the area where the bite has occurred, as a hospital will take a swab to see which antivenene you may require.
“If a foot or hand has been bitten, leave the very tips of the toes or tips of fingers visible so you can watch their colour to ensure the bandage is not too tight. Do not drink or eat. Do not use tourniquets or cut or suck the area where the bite is.
“Hopefully you might have seen the snake so you can describe it to the doctor. Carpet snakes usually hurt when they bite and draw some blood, but venomous snakes hardly hurt – in fact, you may wonder if you have been bitten.”
If you see a snake
Vanessa said keeping the snake in sight was important if you wanted to have it relocated.
“If you see a snake in your house, try to close off that part of the house so the snake can be found. If you can’t close the area off, watch the snake from a safe distance until help arrives,” she said.
“This also applies in the garden. Remember it is against the law to keep a snake without a permit. Also remember fines can apply if you kill a snake.
“Snakes do not want to bite you, it is their means of defence, and we just happen to build our houses and gardens in their way.”
Vanessa is one of three qualified volunteer snake catchers who provide the service for a donation to Tamborine Mountain Lions Club for its wildlife project.
There are also many volunteer drivers on the mountain who assist with the service.
