Eliminate food, shelter and water sources, but don’t freak out – that’s the message to Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents as snake season starts.
Sightings have been reported from Diggers Rest to Kyneton and across to Sidonia, with warm spring weather drawing the poisonous reptiles out from their hiding places.
Residential areas near Sunbury’s Jacksons Creek are also a hot-spot.
Licensed snake catcher and animal rescuer Manfred Zabinskas said he was already busy.
‘‘The season has definitely started,’’ he said.
‘‘People are much more likely to see snakes when the weather first starts to warm up.
‘‘They are also more likely to come across them in the early hours.
‘‘In the middle of the day, they move so fast that you’re unlikely to even know they’ve been there.’’
Mr Zabinskas said increased activities, such as slashing, mowing, earthworks and housing construction could also result in snakes moving around at this time of year.
‘‘All those things can cause them to move into an area they’re not normally seen in,’’ he said.
‘‘They don’t like vibrations, so if there is a lot going on, any snakes in the area will certainly be displaced.’’
Mr Zabinskas said while tidy yards were desirable, they could sometimes be a hindrance.
‘‘The reality is snakes can pop up anywhere,’’ he said.
‘‘Sometimes people go overboard and clean their place up to the extent where it could actually make the situation worse.
‘‘The most dangerous snake is a snake that can’t escape. If you come across one in a courtyard that’s neatly paved and it’s got nowhere to go, that’s a dangerous situation.’’
Mr Zabinskas said species found in the area were ‘‘extremely defensive’’.
‘‘The most common is the copperhead, and they are right up there in terms of trying to flee whenever they can.’’
He said anyone who saw a snake should think twice before trying to take matters into their own hands.
‘‘If it’s not near the house, if it’s not near the dog kennel, you’re better off keeping back and letting it move away,’’ Mr Zabinskas said.
‘‘They are protected … there are heavy fines for killing a snake. If you’re chasing them or getting in their way, you’re far more likely to get bitten.’’
