The snakes are out early!

The Australian Reptile Park has issued an urgent warning to be vigilant for venomous snakes as unseasonally high temperatures continue to increase.

With Spring beginning on September 1, snake sightings have been reported earlier than usual due to the recent warm weather along Australia’s east coast.

As temperatures rise, snakes are emerging from their hiding spots earlier than usual, making it important for families to exercise caution.

Snake catchers have already reported a significant increase in callouts, a phenomenon rarely seen at this time of year.

Typically, snakes do not come out of brumation until September.

Park Operations Manager Billy Collett said snakes did not go out of their way to harm people.

“Snake bites mostly occur when people are trying to catch or kill the snake, so if you don’t do either of those things, there’s a greater chance that you’ll be okay,” he said.

“However, it is important to know snake bite first aid, so if the worst-case scenario occurs you are prepared.”

First aid for snake bites includes keeping the bite victim calm and immobile, removing all jewellery and/ or watches, applying a pressure-immobilisation bandage to the bite site, then bandaging the entire limb (not just the bite area) and seeking emergency medical assistance immediately by calling an ambulance or going directly to the hospital.

“By applying the pressure-immobilisation bandage, the venom cannot easily spread through the body, slowing down the envenomation process by buying the bite victim more time to seek medical attention at the hospital,” Collett said.

“Anyone who visits us here at the Reptile Park knows our team spends as much time as possible educating people on snake safety.

“While the Australian Reptile Park saves approximately 300 lives each year through our antivenom program, experience tells us basic awareness and safety can also help save lives.”

To deter snakes from backyards, the Park advises householders to keep grass areas around the home mowed and well maintained.

Avoid piling up leftover firewood or accumulating stick piles.

Tin sheets or any household items like these that are piled up can draw in heat providing a perfect man-made habitat for snakes.

Depending on the species of venomous snake, a bite could destroy blood cells, cause blood clots or excessive bleeding and destroy tissue.

If not correctly treated with first aid immediately, a fatality can occur in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the amount of venom injected by the snake, the toxicity level of the venom and the type of snake.

The Australian Reptile Park is the only facility in the world that milks Australian terrestrial land snakes for the production of antivenom.

With 2,000 reported snake bites occurring annually in Australia, having rookies undergo rigorous training to contribute to the venom program becomes crucial, as it directly translates to saving an estimated 300 lives each year.

This is done with the help of CSL Seqirus, which transforms the raw venom into the final product of lifesaving antivenom.