Glenmore Gazette

Snakes are around again and further to last month’s information, the Fire Brigade are now trained to respond to snakes and all wildlife and will be able to attend more quickly than contacting WIRES.
If you feel threatened or really need help, telephone Regentville 4733 6851 or Warragamba Fire Brigade 4774 1222 or 000 as an alternative.
The Red belly black snake is common locally but is quick to retreat when encountered. It is venomous but fatalities are rare. The Eastern brown snake is venomous and dangerous and will defend itself if it feels threatened. Do not attempt to kill snakes as this is when people get bitten. All native snakes are protected in NSW and it is illegal to harm them. Leave it alone and watch where it goes. Keep the dog and cat contained.
Tips to help keep snakes from your yard:

• Don’t stack wood near the house
• Keep the grass short
• Keep animal water dishes inside or in a cleared area and don’t leave uneaten food in dishes
• Always wear garden gloves whilst gardening and long pants in long grass
• If you keep birds, clean up seed and fruit to stop rodents from visiting
• If you have a pond you may get a visit from a snake, just watch where it goes, do not get in its way
• If you should encounter a snake just stop and stand still
• Boxes should be off the ground in sheds, as they make nice homes for snakes’ favorite food, rodents!

Snakes may not have ears but they pick up vibrations so stomp those feet if you are going into a shed or barn.
Kids may come across snakes when riding their push bike along tracks; they need to wear enclosed shoes and long pants as the snake won’t pick up vibrations from the rubber tyres.
If you are bitten by a snake, you do not need to kill it for identification as the hospital has a kit that can do it.
If you feel threatened by a snake in your house or your dog or cat have injured a snake or lizards  you can contact the NSW Fire Brigade. Regentville is the nearest, 4733 6851, or phone 000.  WIRES, the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service, can also be contacted on 4754 2946.