Snake Safety

The Sutton area, with its diverse landscapes ranging from rural farmlands to natural bushlands, is home to a variety of native wildlife, including snakes. While snakes play a vital role in the local ecosystem, it's crucial for residents and visitors to be aware of their presence and understand how to coexist safely. Increased awareness and knowledge can significantly reduce the risk of snake encounters and bites, ensuring the safety of people and pets alike.  

Snake Identification

Several snake species are found in the Sutton region. Identifying common venomous snakes can be helpful, but it's important to remember that all snake bites should be treated as potentially venomous.

• Eastern Brown (Pseudonaja textilis) - most common: This is one of the most common and highly venomous snakes in Australia. They can vary in colour from pale brown to dark brown, and juveniles may have black bands or head markings. They are often found in grasslands, woodlands, and even suburban gardens.  

• Red-bellied Black (Pseudechis porphyriacus) - seen occasionally: A distinctive snake with a glossy black back and a vibrant red or pink belly. While venomous, they are generally considered less aggressive and tend to retreat if disturbed. They prefer habitats near water sources like creeks and swamps.  

• Tiger (Notechis scutatus) - seen occasionally: Although less common in the immediate Yass Valley area compared to brown and red-bellied black snakes, they can be found in some habitats. They exhibit variable colours, often with bands, and are highly venomous.  

• Highlands Copperhead (Austrelaps ramsayi): Found in cooler, higher-altitude areas, including parts of the Southern Tablelands within the Yass Valley region. They are typically brown or black with a copper-coloured head and are venomous.

• White-lipped (Drysdalia coronoides): A smaller venomous snake with a distinctive white stripe along its upper lip. They are often found in leaf litter and damp areas.  

It's also important to be able to distinguish snakes from legless lizards, such as the Blue-tongued Lizard, which is common in the area and often mistaken for a snake. Blue-tongued lizards have a stout body, stumpy legs, and a characteristic blue tongue, and they are not venomous.  

For accurate identification, it's best to observe the snake from a safe distance and, if necessary, take a clear photograph to show experts if removal is required. Never attempt to handle or kill a snake.

Preventing Snake Encounters Around Your Property

Taking proactive steps around your property can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering snakes:

• Maintain a Tidy Yard: Keep lawns mowed short, remove piles of leaves, branches, and other debris where snakes can hide.  

• Control Rodent Populations: Snakes are attracted to areas with a food source, such as rodents. Implement measures to control mice and rats around your home. Store pet food securely and clean up any spills.  

• Remove Water Sources: Eliminate standing water, such as in pot plant saucers or leaky taps, as these can attract snakes seeking hydration, especially during dry periods.

• Seal Potential Entry Points: Check around the foundations of your house, sheds, and garages for any cracks or openings and seal them to prevent snakes from entering.  

• Elevate Woodpiles: If you have woodpiles, store them on elevated platforms away from the house to reduce shelter for snakes.

• Wear Protective Clothing: When working in the garden or bushland, wear long pants, thick socks, and sturdy enclosed shoes or boots.  

• Be Cautious in Potential Snake Habitats: Exercise caution when walking through long grass, near rock piles, or around water bodies. Make noise as you walk to alert snakes to your presence.

• Educate Children and Pets: Teach children to never approach or touch snakes and to inform an adult if they see one. Keep pets indoors or on a leash in areas where snakes may be present.

What to Do When You Encounter a Snake

If you encounter a snake, remember to stay calm and follow these guidelines:

• Stop and Stand Still: Most snakes will not attack unless they feel threatened. By remaining still, you reduce the chance of startling the snake.

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Slowly back away from the snake, keeping a distance of at least a few meters.  

• Do Not Approach or Provoke the Snake: Never try to catch, handle, or harass a snake. This is when most bites occur.

• Warn Others: If others are nearby, alert them to the snake's presence so they can also take precautions.

• Keep Pets Away: Ensure pets are restrained and kept away from the snake.

• Report if Necessary: If the snake is in a dangerous location (e.g., inside your house) and poses an immediate threat, contact a licensed snake catcher for safe removal. Remember that snakes are protected native animals, and it is illegal to harm or kill them. 

Wildcare Queanbeyan support the Sutton area and can be contacted:
For 24/7 Emergency Rescue or Advice 02 6299 1966
https://www.wildcare.net.au/ 

First Aid for Snake Bites

Despite taking precautions, snake bites can unfortunately occur. It is vital to know the correct first aid procedures:

• Call Emergency Services (000): Immediately call for an ambulance. Snake bites are a medical emergency.  

• Keep the Victim Still and Calm: Movement can increase the spread of venom through the lymphatic system. Lay the person down and reassure them.  

• Apply a Pressure Immobilisation Bandage: This is the recommended first aid technique for venomous snake bites in Australia.

  1. Apply a broad, firm pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible.

  2. Continue bandaging firmly up the limb, starting just above the fingers or toes and extending as high as possible, covering the entire limb. The bandage should be tight but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. You should be unable to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin.  

  3. If possible, mark the bite location on the bandage.

• Immobilise the Limb: Use a splint to keep the bitten limb straight and still. If a splint isn't available, bandage the limb to another part of the body (e.g., bandaging legs together).

• Do Not Wash the Bite Area: Venom on the skin can help with snake identification later.  

• Do Not Cut the Bite or Attempt to Suck Out Venom: These methods are ineffective and can cause further harm.  

• Do Not Use a Tourniquet: Tourniquets are generally not recommended for Australian snake bites as they can cause more damage. Pressure immobilisation is the preferred method.  

• Monitor the Victim: Observe the person for any changes in their condition until medical help arrives. Be prepared to perform CPR if the person stops breathing.

Important Note: Snake venom can have different effects depending on the species. The pressure immobilisation technique helps to slow the movement of venom, regardless of the type of snake. It is crucial to seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible for the administration of the correct antivenom if required.  

By understanding the types of snakes in the Sutton region, taking preventative measures around your property, knowing how to react during an encounter, and being prepared with the correct first aid knowledge, residents can coexist safely with these fascinating creatures and appreciate their role in the environment. Staying informed and vigilant is key to ensuring the safety of yourself, your family, and your pets.