Snakes begin to stir

Snake handlers are urging the public not to take things into their own hands if they have any unexpected guests in their backyards this summer.

Paul Singline and Mel Ellul have been kept busy in recent weeks as snake sightings in Karratha have begun to rise with the temperatures.

Mr Singline said residents should clean up their backyards if they wanted to minimise snake interactions.

"It is definitely the time of year where you have to start cleaning up the shrubbery, cutting down bushes and clearing all the rubble and stuff lying around," he said. "If you do get a snake in your yard, keep a close eye on it from a distance and get animals and kids inside."

Mr Singline said finding your closest snake handler and keeping their number in your phone was also advisable.

Like Mr Singline and Ms Ellul, most of the snake handlers in the Pilbara are volunteers and offer their services free of charge.

"People have this perception that snakes are deadly and dangerous and they want to attack you, which is just not the case," he said. "They are a defensive, amazing and beautiful animal."

Department of Parks and Wildlife officer Matt Swan said the only reason for snakes to bite was because it was the only defensive weapon they had.

Mr Swan said residents should clean up any food sources around their backyards, such as bird seed, which attracts rodents.

City of Karratha rangers are also working to clear overgrown vacant blocks around the City.

Anyone who has a snake in their yard can call the wildlife helpline on 9474 9055 or there is a list of handlers on the Raving Critters Facebook page.