They are out and about already. A full sized copperhead snake was found and then professionally, safely removed last week from a Shady Creek farm.
These cold days of winter are no guarantee that snakes are all dormant.
It is time to refresh practical knowledge about snake habits and habitats, the risks and the best way to manage any intruders on home territory.
Farms can harbour snakes. Women on Farm members know about the risks in piles of timber, old machinery, or in long grass and under bushes.
Geoff Lockwood, a government licensed handler (herpetologist) recently spoke with WOF West Gippsland members. He has a reptile removal service as well as providing educational services under his business, Southern Fauna Resources.
WOFWG members learned some useful information that would benefit the wider community:
Be prepared by making garden and yards safer from snakes – remove water and food sources; tidy wood and piles of metal or old machinery.
Purported snake repellents do not work.
Snakes are usually non-aggressive unless they feel a need to defend themselves.
When threatened their tongues flick, their heads flatten.
Do not crowd them, if they are clearly heading for refuge from you.
If you must try to move them on, from children or farm animals, gain a distance with a rake or broom in order to guide, but not to touch snakes.
Avoid their head ends where very sharp fangs connect to rudimentary venom glands
Red bellied black snakes are less of a problem now in the Drouin/Warragul area due to human activity. They are now more prevalent east of Moe.
Eastern brown snakes are venomous although they will curl around small prey they catch.
Snakes are territorial, within about two hectares. In this area, there might be a congregation as mating season hits, usually around October.
First aid – call 000. No need to catch a suspect snake as hospitals can identify the species by taking blood or urine samples from bite victims.
Minimise movement of victim. Immobilise limb if bitten on arm or leg.
Minimise blood circulation with firm elastic bandages until ambulance arrives.
Any woman is welcome to join Women on Farms. The key criteria is an interest in farming and farming friendships. There is no need to be actively farming to participate.
For more details contact secretary Jean Irvine (0429 488156) or go to the website at www.womenonfarms-wg.org.au for the monthly program.