Les Williams - Reptile Relocation & Awareness - 0438 681 090

Living with Snakes ...

While the majority of snakes found in Victoria, and in particular the western region of Melbourne are highly venomous, there's no need to be alarmed. Under most circumstances snakes will try to escape when they encounter humans, they will only bite when they find themselves cornered and can't escape.

During the hotter months snakes will be looking for water and are more often seen in residential areas due to the current drought conditions. The common brown snake is often found in the Bacchus Marsh area.

If you encounter a brown snake do not make any sudden movements, such as trying to run away, as the snake is likely to think that you are about to attack it and consequently it will try to bite you. These snakes strike with amazing speed and with pin-point accuracy. The best thing to do is to remain perfectly still and allow the snake to move away. That way the snake doesn't see you as a threat and will leave you alone.

If you do unfortunately get bitten by a snake, don't try to attack or catch the snake for identification purposes because you'll generally receive further bites. The most important thing to do is to apply a firm bandage to the affected area. If for example, you were bitten on the foot, the entire foot should be bandaged and extended right up to the knee. If bitten on the finger or hand bandage from the bite to above the elbow. It's important to keep the patient calm and still, it is always best to call an ambulance. Don't wash the venom away as the hospital will need to swab the bite to identify which species of snake it was, so they can administer the most appropriate treatment. All snake bites should be treated seriously by seeking urgent medical assistance, even if the person bitten is no showing any immediate symptoms.

The Common Eastern Brown Snake can be found in many parts of Victoria including Bacchus Marsh, Myrniong and Parwon / Exford. These snakes are highly venomous and extremely aggressive if cornered. The Common Tiger Snake can be found in the Melton area and occasionally in Ballan and Greendale. Tiger snakes are associated with watercourses and swampy areas and their preferred food is frogs. They are extremely venomous and aggressive but normally won't bite unless they are stood on or handled. The Copperhead Snake is found in cooler areas such as Ballan, Ballarat, Daylesford, Greendale, Trentham and Woodend. Copperhead snakes are very venomous but fortunately they are generally placid and very reluctant to bite.

Here are some suggestions for reducing the risk of encountering a snake in your backyard ...

• Keep your backyard tidy, avoiding piles of rubbish that provide great hiding spots for snakes.
• Make sure any grassed areas are kept short.
• Snakes like to prey on rats which in turn are attracted to aviaries, chicken pens and compost heaps, so it's important to keep these areas clean.
• Snakes are often found around ponds and dams (especially in times of drought), once again keep these areas neat and tidy.
• Lastly, it's advisable to wear gloves when working in the garden.

Living with Possums ...

Possums cope well in suburban areas, finding the trees and gardens around our homes very similar to their natural environment. In areas lacking suitable tree hollows, they'll seek out daytime shelter in house roofs, where it's dark and warm. At night they come out in search of food.

Previously possums were caught and relocated to other areas. Research now tells us that possums can't survive when relocated to a new environment. These days the emphasis is on getting them out of the roof and providing them with alternative shelter, i.e. a nest box up in a tree (at least 3 metres off the ground) within the same area. There's no point in relocating an offending possum to another area as another one will quickly come to take its place.

The most effective way of dealing with an unwanted possum in your roof is to firstly make whatever repairs are necessary to close-off any holes or gaps in the roof. Then an approved trap can be used to catch the possum inside the roof and relocate it to a nest box somewhere nearby. If the possum is removed prior to fixing the roof it will easily get back in again!

There are thirteen different species of possums and gliders found in Victoria, belonging to one of five family groups ... Common Brushtail Possum, Eastern Pygmy-possum, Common Ringtail Possum, Sugar Glider & Feathertail Glider.

All native wildlife including Snakes & Possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. Native wildlife includes birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that occur naturally in Australia.

For more detailed information about Possums and other native animals contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria via eMail: customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au or visit their website: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au