Wagga’s residents aren’t the only ones basking in the warm sun after a hibernating winter.
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Snakes are getting out and about around the region, with a number of people posting sightings on Facebook, including around Lake Albert and at a Charles Sturt University sportsground.
Wagga’s own “snake man” Tony Davis said he had been relocating up to three or four snakes a day since the weather has warmed up.
He said a lot of them have been reported from the suburb of Estella.
“I reckon it’s all the new development out there forcing them to move from their natural habitat,” Mr Davis said.
At this stage of the season, most snakes are juveniles reaching sizes around a metre in length, but will grow to more than double that towards the end of summer.
If you encounter a snake in your yard, Mr Davis said the best course of action was to get any pets or children inside. Most of the time the snake will move on without intervention.
NSW Ambulance paramedics are also asking people to be mindful of the increased snake and spider activity and the potential for bites.
A spokesman advised that in the event of a snake or spider bite, people should call Triple-0 and ask for an ambulance.
He added first aid for snake and spider bites varied depending on which species was involved.
Mr Davis is happy to move snakes to the Pomingalarna reserve for anxious residents, he just asks to cover the cost of him travelling to your property.
He can be contacted on 0419 448 350.
WIRES advises snakes are generally placid creatures and if left alone will invariably disappear of their own accord. People are advised to never approach a snake as many people are bitten either trying to catch or get rid of a snake.
First aid advice
For snakes
- If the bite is on a limb, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage. The bandage should not cut off the circulation;
- If the bite is not on a limb, apply direct, firm pressure to the bite site with your hands. Keep the patient still and discourage them from walking around; and
- Never cut or excise the wound. Do not attempt to suck out the venom out and don’t apply a tourniquet.
For spiders:
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress to relieve the pain; and
- If severe symptoms develop, seek medical aid; and
- In the case of small children involved in a suspected redback spider bite, medical aid should be sought, irrespective of whether symptoms manifest.