Casual Reminder: SNAKES
Snakes are more active & often more aggressive, now that the sun has moved in next door.
Do not take unnecessary risks.
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Snakes can be literally anywhere, guys.
>In the garden
>in your house,
>secretly your mother,
>ON THE ROAD (pay attention, they can be hit and left to die horrific deaths if you don’t slow down/anticipate their sunbathing)
>with 47 friends in a trenchcoat trying to buy a car,
>in the trees, in the bush,
>in long grass, in any grass that is taller than your ankle,
>in cars/vehicles -additionally, if you are parked somewhere snakes may be lurking, OR you slow down to go over a snake on the road (you should go around), there’s a chance they may slip up underneath the car. -if you think a snake has slipped up under the car,
>In shoes/other items left outside. The whole ‘snake in my boot’ thing isn’t a joke in Australia, it’s a warning, guys. Snakes, spiders, etc. if they can get in your shoes, they will. Don’t leave them out.
>Rubbish & things like Old Tires/in hose coils.
>Stables, Sheds or Under the House.
>Underneath appliances (washing machine, etc.)
>In your toilet (not a joke).
>Trees & Vines.
>In piles of clothing.
>And a thousand other little places.
One little tree snake fucking came through my window once, it just stuck it’s head in like, “Oh hey, I climbed the water pipe all the way up here, is it chill if I stay here for a bit?”
They can climb, they are clever
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Eastern Brown or King Brown snakes are heading into mating season, meaning that a) they will be more aggressive, and b) there’s the chance tiny snakes are going to appear soon.
This is a snake that has highly potent venom that can kill you in a short span of time. Be aware, take precautions.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO?
>Know the name of a local snakecatcher, have it on the fridge and in your phone. Be prepared. Check them out online. Find out who offers what services (some catchers also provide rehabilitation, if your snake is visibly injured/unwell).
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>Learn What-To-Do If you can’t do a full First Aid course, at least look up how to respond to Snake Bites online. [Will talk more in a moment about this].
If you have children, remember to go over the “just because Steve Irwin picked up snakes and kissed them, doesn’t mean you should... because he had a team with all the anti-venoms standing behind the camera, to keep him alive, and you do not” talk with your tiny tackers. Remind them that if they SEE a snake, and can come and get you... they need to tell you (the adult/oldest available) immediately. If they cannot leave the area [for example, there’s a red-belly-black snake crawling over your feet -weird feeling, believe me], then they need to draw your attention to their location (can be achieved by a loud shout of ‘snake’ if it is safe to do so, or by attracting the attention of another through non-verbal signals).
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>PETS
If you have PETS. They will most likely sniff out the snake, or where it has been, before you find the secret slytherin in your area. Pay attention to their behaviour. If they are chasing down a scent, follow them; if they are barking or meowing oddly, investigate.
IF YOU THINK THEY HAVE BEEN BITTEN, TAKE THEM TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY.
The only reason our little cat is still alive, is because we reacted fast enough when we realised she was acting oddly (lethargy, onset of frothy spittle while drinking). It was a whipsnake we hadn’t known about. She’s ten, now; but even then it was touch and go.
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>OUTSIDE If you like walking, you 100% need to be aware of your surroundings. Is there long grass, or something a snake could be coiled in? Are you walking on bitumen, or on rocky ground that they might like to sunbathe on? If you do encounter a snake, do you have something you can use to call someone for help?
Are you wearing enclosed shoes, or thick socks that can prevent fangs meeting flesh?
If, for whatever ungodly reason during snake-and-dropbear-mating-season, you decide to go for a bushwalk or hike. None of this ‘cute booty shorts & crocs’ nonsense some of you wankers perpetuate. Wear protective, covering clothing. Make CERTAIN you have good footwear and protection on, because no croc or ankle sock will save you from a pissed off snake... or determined spider, now I think about it.
-Also, be aware of ticks. They can cause chaos too.
-Doubly so if you’re going to fuck about at night in the wild.
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>When mowing, rake up any excess grass. Little clumps are a good place for a tired snake to take a nap; and they will bite you, if you step on them. Be Aware.
When mowing or using the weed-whacker, have sturdy clothing on (a no brainer), a hat, sunglasses, etc. But predominantly, make sure your legs and feet are protected. Because if you scare a snek, or inadvertently injure one, they can attack to defend themselves.
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>Make sure you don’t have mess on the floor. Yeah, cleaning sucks and can be a real challenge for many people (for different neurological/physical reasons), but this is imperative. Do not have piles of things on the floor. Try to get a laundry basket with high sides, or a lid; check the cheap stores, they usually have something good. Snakes seek warm and hidden places.
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>Do your windows have fly screens? If no, and you cannot get any, check around each window. What’s there? Is there a water pipe that a snake could climb, or a vine, or a nearby tree? If yes, you may need to consider under what circumstances a snake might want to come inside. You may need to prune branches back (it’s also a fire hazard, when it’s this dry).
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>Gardens. What plants do you have? Are any known to draw in birds or small animals, which could end up a snake for a starving snake? Do you have a birdbath that could attract attention? I’m not saying ‘get rid of them’ at all, this is just a heads-up to be mindful about where and when you may find unanticipated backyard buddies. Additionally, be aware of plants that sprawl across the ground (groundcover type plants), as they provide excellent cover for sneks.
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>ANTI-SNAKE DEVICES There’s the age-old trick of pouring out something acrid smelling (roundup, turps, fuel, citronella oil, etc.) around the house/yard boundaries to dispel snakes.
-Firstly... that’s a fire hazard, in no uncertain terms. -Secondly, sure it might keep SOME out, but the more determined are going to get in. Besides, anyone already in your space, now can’t leave. -Third, roundup might inadvertently kill animals/pets/wildlife if it’s not just used for its intended purpose.
Recently, there’ve been a few anti-snake devices (mostly at BUNNINGS, tbh) that get placed in the ground around your area and emit a consistent noise that wards off snakes. They are considered successful, and are a non-lethal/more humane way of dispelling unwanted snake guests from your area; and don’t prevent them leaving.
But it’s really up to the device/reviews/your own opinion as to the effectiveness. We’re using a few, just to keep everyone safe, for now.
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>YOU RAISE ME UUUuuuuuuuuuuuP... If you have something under the house, or likely to have snakes hide under it. Raise it off the ground. Easier said than done, right? Well, if you have a couple of bricks and some old wood, or a pallet (surprisingly easy to obtain?), or anything of that nature... you can put something up on top, so you have a clear view of what is underneath. [Good if you have piles of wood or old corrugated iron, or a bunch of random things, laying about on the ground.]
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SO, YOU’VE ENCOUNTERED A SNAKE...
>DO: let others know that you have seen the snake, and to avoid the area/seek adult assistance (if child)/seek more adultier assistance (for young adults)/seek an Australian (for non-aussies).
>DO: Have someone remove all children and pets/animals from the situation, as they will complicate the scene.
>DO: Pay attention to a) where you saw the snake, b) where it is going (eg. is it on the move or is it already in a specific location), c) note the colouration/length. The latter can help identify species, and is imperative.
>DO: Call a snakecatcher. Don’t dither about it. If it’s in the house, in your car, under something, in your area and/or posing a threat to yourself, your pets, your family, other people (public/neighbours/other); then it needs to be removed and put somewhere else.
If you are worried about this distressing the snake, remember, it’s suddenly surrounded by a bunch of squishy giants that are stressing it out. It just wants to go somewhere safe... but may end up in your laundry, by accident, though.
So get that number, and call a snakecatcher. (Unless it is headed out into the paddock and into the bush, in which case, the courteous snek guest has politely shown themselves out before overstaying their welcome).
>DO: Remain calm. If everyone’s freaked out (snake included) all will end in disaster.
>DO: Remove yourself from the situation, where possible. Place yourself in a situation wherein you can observe, without being in danger. Direct others in the situation to do the same/leave, take children/pets with them.
If the snake is openly hostile (possibly due to injury, fear, being horny af, etc.), it may lash out whether the situation is calm or not. It will chase running targets, or anything it perceives as a threat. They are not all like that, but there can be a few of that nature; so be aware and know how to respond.
>DO: Have a snake-response plan you’ve worked out with family. Know how to react. Understand what to do if things go arse-over-tits, mates. Have the phone numbers for the snake catcher, vet and also a family member/friend (who can come to your aid immediately if necessary) on the fridge and in your phone.
>DO: If you ARE bitten by a snake, ‘she’ll be right’ isn’t the answer. Go to the hospital, tell them what kind of snake it was (if you know) or try to describe it; because some venoms are time-sensitive, and others have a tendency to linger/make you steadily worse over time.
If you cannot leave on your own terms (become unwell immediately) call 000 [Australia] for an Ambulance.
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>DON’T: Attack the snake. There are very, very, VERY few scenarios in which it would necessitate you, personally, attacking/killing the snake; which means, do not initiate it if possible. I know you see idiots chasing snakes with like boots, brooms and shovels and shit all the time on tv, but they’re idiots. They’re also the people who get bitten most often.
>DON’T: Try to pick up the damn snake. It will not react positively, and you should just... NOT do that. I cannot emphasise this enough.
>DON’T: Antagonise the animal. It is stressed and afraid, and you will not help matters by poking it, prodding it with a stick/other item, chasing it, ‘trying to corral it’, playing Crocodile Hunter, hovering over it, crouching down and putting your face near where the fucking snake is hiding, jabbing after it with arm/stick, prodding the animal with your foot, shooting at it, pouring boiling water on it (don’t be a cunt, guys), hacking at it with something, throwing things at it, etc.
Just... let it be, and call a professional.
>DON’T: Think ‘well I can do this, why call someone in if I got a bag and a stick already?’. Do Not.
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The thing is, mates, they live here too.
This is not an anti-snake post at all. This is a vaguely comprehensive ‘how to react if you come across a serpentine-australian in your area/home’ post.
Snakes have a right to live here, it is their home, and we have to cohabitate. That’s how it works. Wildlife was here first, we built in their space, yeah?
So, the plan is... react safely to their sudden appearance, inside or out, and try to minimise any casualties. The best result is that they can go on their merry snek way, possibly with the help of a snake catcher/snek uber ride, and you don’t get bitten and/or die.
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SO YOU’VE BEEN BITTEN [SNAKE BITE RESOURCE LIST]
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Remain. Calm. Keep the person who has been bitten calm and relaxed. Call 000 - Ambulance.
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>WHAT TO DO FOR A SNAKE BITE - FIRST AID [printable pdf]
1) DRSABCD - Danger. Response. Send for help. Airway. Breathing. CPR. Defibrillation.
2) Reassure Patient, ask them not to move.
3) Apply a broad crepe bandage over the bite site ASAP.
4) Apply Pressure Bandage (heavy crepe/elasticised roller bandage) -starting just above the fingers or toes of the bitten limb, and move upwards on the limb as far as can be reached (include snake bite). Apply firmly but do not stop blood supply to limb/tourniquet limb.
[The first aid instructor from last year said to finish the bandage over the bite or mark the bandage over the site with an X or something, to let medical professionals know where it is exactly.]
5) Immobilise the bandaged limb with splints.
6) Ensure the patient does not move.
7) Write down the time of the bite and time bandage was applied. Stay with patient.
8) Regularly check circulation in fingers or toes.
9) Manage for shock.
10) ENSURE that an ambulance has been called. Double-check if you must, or if the patient begins to deteriorate significantly.
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WHAT NOT TO DO:
>DON’T wash venom off the skin >DON’T cut the bitten area >DON’T suck the damn venom out of the wound ffs >DON’T use a tourniquet >DON’T (as we’ve already covered) try to catch the snake. >DON’T remove the P.I.T. at any point. Medical professionals will remove it, when appropriate; and doing so before that point can be detrimental to the patient’s health.
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Signs - not always visible (may be puncture wounds/bleeding/scratches)
Symptoms - developing within hour of suspected bite (headache, impaired vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, drowsiness, faintness, slurred speech/impaired ability to speak and/or swallow).
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PRESSURE IMMOBILISATION TECHNIQUE (with Visual Guide)
Recommended for: ALL AUSTRALIAN SNAKES including Sea Snakes. [And funnel web spider bites, blue-ringed octopi bites, cone shell stings]
NOT Recommended for: Non-funnel web Spider Bites, Jellyfish Stings, Stonefish and other Fish stings, bits by scorpions/centipedes/beetles.
>Provides Visual Guide for P.I.T. on leg/foot/lower limb >Provides Instructions for P.I.T. use on: forearm/hand, torso/trunk, head/neck region.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
>First Aid & Clinical Management of Snakebites
>Snakebite First Aid (FirstAidAnywhere.com)
>Snake Bites [Including information on Dry Bites/No envenomation]
>Management for SHOCK
>What Snake is That? Infoguide on everything from Prevention to Emergency Treatment.
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Snake Identification (Australia):
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>Australia’s Top Ten Most Dangerous Snakes (National Geographic)
Includes information and pictures of:
1) Eastern/Common Brown Snake
2) Western Brown Snake (Gwardar)
3) Mainland/Common Tiger Snake
4) Inland Taipan/Fierce Snake
5) Coastal/Eastern Taipan
6) Mulga Snake/KING BROWN SNAKE (Pseudechis australis)
7) Lowlands/Common Copperhead
8) Eastern/Small-eyed Snake
9) Southern/Common Death Adder
10) Common/Red-bellied Black Snake
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> SNAKES of SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND
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HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL.
