FROM the end of August through to October is when snakes are most active as they are out basking, foraging for food and looking for mates but they can be active at other times of the year as well.
Curtin University school of molecular and life sciences Professor Bill Bateman said in some places for instance around water in the City of Wanneroo, the Shire of Gingin and the Perth metropolitan area venomous snakes could be very common.
“Tiger snakes are frequently seen near urban and bushland lakes,’’ he said.
“Dugites are common in urban areas across Perth and beyond.
“These are the main two but most people never see them as snakes are pretty wary around people.’’
Mr Bateman said if out bush walking people should wear closed-toe shoes and long trousers – venomous snakes in Australia have pretty small fangs and were unlikely to get through material – and if gardening then wear gloves for the same reason.
He said people should be aware of basic first aid in the case of snake bites and if someone was bitten it was best to immobilise the bitten limb and the person, put on a pressure bandage if one was available and call emergency services straight away.
“Do not cut the wound, suck it or apply a tight tourniquet.’’
Snake bites in Perth were common enough that people should be careful, but surprisingly rare when one considered how many snakes were around.
People should be aware, particularly around wetlands and in thick vegetation.
“Wear appropriate footwear and long trousers.
“In the garden turn over logs or planks or fencing with care – they make good hiding places for snakes.’’
He said snake encounters were more likely to happen when people were active, during the day.
“In the mornings snakes may be out basking and are more likely to be seen.
“Apparently between July 2018 and June 2019 about 170 people were treated for snake bite which is up from previous years, but each year over one hundred people report a snake bite in WA. “Very, very few people die of snake bite in WA and across Australia – about 14 deaths in WA since 1980.
“Considering the number of snakes in Australia this is very low though this is little consolation for those that get bitten.’’
