Melton and Moorabool residents are being urged to be on the lookout for snakes, as Victoria experiences warmer weather.
Stewy the Snake Catcher said that there are simple things residents can do to while out and about that will reduce the risk of snake incidents.
“[Residents] should look for any snakes when they’re walking around,” he said.
“They should be mindful where they step as well.
“They should be mindful when sticking their hands into places they can’t see, like doing the gardening and weeding, things like that.”
If a resident was to see a snake, Stewy said they should do “absolutely nothing”.
“Move back,” he said.
“Don’t try and catch it, don’t try and kill it, don’t try and get a better look at it.
“Snakes are more scared of us than we are of them, and when they feel threatened, like when they’re cornered, that’s when they bite.
“If [a resident] is bitten by a snake, the best thing to do is call an ambulance immediately.
“The less they move, the better, that way the venom doesn’t travel as fast.”
Stewy said he would recommend calling a snake catcher if you spot one slithering near you.
Melton council said in a post on its Facebook page that residents should call council if a snake is at a home or on council property.
Details: 9747 7200
