People react to snakes in different ways. Act carry severe penalties. Living with snakes Some fear them, whilst others are fascinated Snakes cannot be: and respectful of them. Generations of tales, • taken from the wild; conditioning and rumour have portrayed • kept without a licence; or snakes as aggressive, dangerous creatures. • traded without a licence. Whilst all snakes in the ACT are venomous (except the blind snake), they are shy, Snake species in the ACT non-aggressive creatures that will quickly Eight species are known to inhabit the ACT. The retreat if not provoked. However, five of the Eastern Brown Snake is the most frequently ACT’s snakes are regarded as potentially seen in suburban gardens. The Red-Bellied dangerous to humans. Black Snake, the Tiger Snake and the Black- headed Snake are seen only occasionally. Why do snakes enter gardens? In the ACT, the Eastern Brown Snake varies Sometimes snakes will enter suburban gardens from brown to grey and can even be blackish, in search of water - in pet bowls, fish ponds and dark brown or orange. Young snakes may be swimming pools - particularly during long, dry entirely brown or may have a black patch on periods and also in search of food (e.g. mice their head and a black band on their neck. feeding from aviaries). Black bands across the body may or may not In the ACT, snakes are most active from be present. October to March when they sun themselves or when they move in search of food. Snakes in your house or yard In most cases the snake is just passing through Snakes in the web of life on its way to or from food, water, shelter or a Snakes are important in the food chain, sunny spot. Move pets and children inside for consuming smaller animals, some of which are an hour or until the snake moves off. To reduce introduced pests such as mice. Snakes in turn the chance of it staying, and in preparation for provide food for other animals like birds and Red-bellied Black Snake times when snakes are most active (i.e. spring reptiles. and summer): Snakes by law • keep lawns and gardens well maintained;

ACT Snakes are protected by law (Nature • remove piles of wood or other debris from

P

A E Conservation Act 1980) in all states and the yard or store it off the ground; R C I K V S R

A E N S D N C O territories of Australia and may not be killed I • ensure pet food and water bowls are not O NSERVAT unless they threaten life. Offences under the accessible to wildlife; • enclose compost heaps to reduce mouse First aid treatment for snake bites • Transport the patient quickly and passively populations (a food source for snakes); and • Do not ignore a trivial bite, especially if to hospital (preferably by ambulance). Where • tidy up aviaries as these attract mice and in suspected from a Brown Snake. possible let paramedics be in total charge of turn, snakes. • Ensure the patient (and others) are no extrication planning. Avoid being bitten longer at risk. Mistaken identity Snakes are naturally shy and their first form of • Reassure the patient and encourage him/ The Blue-tongued Lizard is common in Canberra defence is to move away from danger. Humans her to lie down and keep still. Venom gardens and is recognised by a stout body, are seen as danger. However, if provoked or is mainly distributed through the lymph stumpy legs and fleshy, blue tongue. It is not cornered, a snake may attempt to protect itself system, which is heavily influenced by venomous but is often killed in the mistaken by striking. People are most likely to be bitten movement. Therefore, it is critical that the belief it is a snake. Many are also badly injured when attempting to kill or handle a snake. patient and the bitten part do not move. or killed by dogs and cats. Blue-tongued Lizards Although snakes move at the speed of a fast • Start First Aid immediately. are an asset to any garden, as they feed on walk, they can strike very rapidly if aroused. • Contact Emergency Ambulance number snails and other invertebrates. Several species To avoid being bitten: - 000 (unless in outback areas). of legless lizard, which are also harmless and look like snakes, also live in the ACT. Remember • move away and let the snake go on its way; • Do not interfere with the bite in any way - do not wash the skin and do not apply a snakes and lizards are native wildlife and are • never try to kill or handle a snake; tourniquet or chemicals. protected by law in the ACT and throughout • be alert at all times in the bush, especially • Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage Australia. in the early morning when snakes are more with even pressure. Use the same likely to be sunning themselves; Further information pressure as for a sprained wrist or ankle. • cover up with trousers and enclosed Contact the ACT Parks and Conservation Service Start from over the bite site and work up shoes when bushwalking and gardening in rangers on: the limb. Apply a second bandage starting overgrown places; Mitchell Depot (northside) (02) 6207 2113 at the fingers/toes of the bitten limb and • avoid walking through long grass; Athllon Depot (southside) (02) 6207 2087 wind as far up the limb as possible. • avoid putting your hand into hollow logs or Canberra Connect: 13 22 81 • Mark the location of the bite on the rock crevices; and Website: www.tams.act.gov.au bandage (for venom detection in hospital). • keep pets well away from snakes and lizards. To report sick or injured wildlife or for information • Bandage over clothing or cut up seams to on becoming an RSPCA wildlife carer, phone: allow access to skin. Business hours: (02) 6287 8113 • Immobilise the limb with a splint. After hours: 0413 495 031 • Monitor airway, breathing and circulation. Do not attempt to look after sick or injured wildlife if

Eastern Brown you are not a licensed and trained carer with Snake RSPCA Wildlife.