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LIVING (Safely) WITH SNAKES
Snakes sometimes are spotted in SE QLD backyards as they move through. Most are seeking, food, shelter or a warm spot to bask. Often if left undisturbed they will move on and will never been seen again. Snakes looking for food are not looking to eat or bite your baby or children. Depending on what they usually eat (see Snake ID page for diet details) they may be attracted to your garden by frogs, lizards, small birds or rodents. The occasionally end up in your home as they are following the scent of their prey or moving along a warm wall and accidentally find an open door, or window. A snakes natural instinct is to avoid detection so they tend to move along walls and rarely move out in the open.
Like all native wildlife, snakes are protected by law and cannot simply be moved from their habitat, even if their habitat is your home or yard. The best defense against snakes in and around your home is PREVENTION.
Clear up all rubbish around the home, especially around outer walls, and garages. Make sure you have fitted screens and tightly closing doors to all outside areas so that snakes do not accidentally find their way into your home.
Keep down rodent population and make sure any pets, bird, etc are kept either well away from the house or in a clear area, as snakes prefer to keep to walls and undergrowth when traveling. Snakes see small animals, pets such as birds and guinea pigs as a food source so keeping these away from your residence potentially means that you are keeping snakes away from you too.
Always check carefully before moving items such a tin, pipes, rocks, logs or other items that a snake could be sheltering under or inhabiting, especially if the item has been there for a while; eg, logs in a woodpile. These areas are perfect hides for snakes and a startled snake is likely to strike. When moving items such as this always raise the outer edge or top edge and lift up and away from you to allow possible snakes a clear escape route away from you. Alternately use a stick or rake to turn or move the items first.
With a little care and caution people and snakes can live harmoniously in the same environment.
SNAKE RELOCATION
However, if a snake is sighted in your the house or is causing potential danger to people or livestock, WILDLIFE ANSWERS does hold the relevant permit to enable safe removal of the snake, and relocation to nearby suitable habitat.
If you require our service for snake relocation we may ask you to keep an eye on the snake until we arrive. Snakes can move very fast so this is necessary to ensure that the snake is still at the site when we arrive. This should be done from a safe distance and without putting your self in proximity of the snake. Make sure that you have the ability to exit should the snake come closer to you for any reason.
If the snake is in a room of your house, remove any people or pets and try to isolate this room from any other. Shut all doors and window (without going near the snake). Place a rolled towel under the door and push it into the corners with a ruler or blunt knife to ensure the snake does not come out under the door.
Leave the snake exactly where you found it and WAIT. We will be there as soon as possible.
DO NOT attempt to capture or contain any snake as 90% of all snakebites are caused by people interfering with a snake.
We will send a Licened Professional Snake Catcher to deal with the snake...someone who has the relevant training, experience, equipment and insurances and who does this as a job...not just a hobby. Someone who can ensure your and their safety.
CURRENT SNAKE BITE FIRST AID
If someone IS bitten by a snake or suspects a snakebite, DO NOT PANIC