Watch out, snakes about

venomous carpet pythons, he had been shocked at the large number of redbellied black snakes that had taken up residence locally.

“They’re a snake that loves the water,” he said. “Since the foods are lot more of them have been around.

“They’re generally found around pools, water pumps or the river.”

There are steps people should take if they come into contact with a snake.

“Unfortunately these beautiful creatures come in contact with pets,” he said.

“If you believe that your pet has been bitten please contact your local vet asap.

“If you have a snake in your yard or around the home please keep a safe distance and try to take a photo.’ it goes,” he said.

“The local agency will be able to identify and let you the appropriate steps to follow.

“Don’t take your eyes off them for more than a few seconds.”

He said it was a misconception snakes hibernated.

“They go dormant during the colder months and fnd a safe place like a roof space, a tree or rabbit warren to nest,” he said.

“Because they’re cold blooded they can’t regulate their body temperature, so they want the sun to warm them up and get their blood circulating.

“If its cold lactic acid builds up quickly in them, which is like a massive cramp for them.”

He said the snake mating season was during mid summer, but snakes moving about could come into contact with each other.

“Two males could come into contact and begin fghting,” he said. “They coil around each other to assert their dominance.

By Tim Howard

Northern Rivers residents should be aware snakes are on the move about a month to six weeks earlier than normal.

A Clarence Valley snake and reptile enthusiast, Ben Fisher, said he had been called out three times since July 31 for snake sightings, which was surprising.

Mr Fisher who has a life-long connection with reptiles, completed a course training him in the handling of venomous snakes.

He hopes to turn his passion and training into business later this year.

“Usually it’s about mid-September – spring – when they start moving around,” he said.

“Now that it’s starting to warm up the male snakes are often travelling in yards, schools and in towns in search of a mate. You may fnd them fghting.”