Spring prompts alert for venomous snakes

A Pilbara snake catcher is reminding residents to prepare their property for snakes as the weather begins to heat up.

Paraburdoo volunteer reptile re-locater Reece Gordon said this time of year was typically snake season because it coincided with the start of spring.

“Snakes are cold-blooded so they need the warmth to maintain homeostasis,” he said.

“In the Pilbara, snakes are very much part of the landscape.

“My job is to help the residents of Paraburdoo in trying to mitigate the snakes from visiting their place on a more permanent basis.”

Mr Gordon said people could prepare their homes by mowing the lawn, taking care of the garden, filling gaps in bricks and fences, and removing food sources such as chicken eggs and mice infestations.

He said if residents saw a snake they should remain calm.

“I think the best advice is not to panic.” he said. “The snake is not out to eat you or bite you.

“Don’t approach the snake. Keep a good distance away but also monitor the snake.

“That way when you do call somebody you can tell them exactly where it is and they can do the job of removing it from the property.”

Venomous snakes found in the Pilbara include the mulga (king brown), the gwardar (western brown), Pilbara death adder and desert death adder.