Joondalup recorded the most venomous snake sightings in WA, with 1057, according to a new study. Geraldton ranked highest in the state for camping-area sightings, with 185. Snake catcher Marcus Cosentino says snakes are common across Perth and usually avoid people. He advises giving snakes space, keeping pets and children away, and calling an expert to remove them. He also says snakes are a natural part of the environment that people can live alongside.
Snakes are drawn to gardens that offer food, shelter and warmth, according to South Gippsland snake catcher Jake Condotta. Messy garden beds, compost heaps and long grass attract the rodents, frogs and lizards snakes eat. Bird seed, pet food, ponds and piles of timber can also draw them in. Condotta says people should keep their distance from snakes and never try to catch or kill them. If someone is bitten, they should call 000 immediately.
Kingborough and Channel residents are being urged to watch for snakes as warmer weather brings them out of winter hideaways. Snake catcher Japh Thomson says calls begin in late September and peak in January and February. Most callouts involve tiger snakes. He advises keeping grass short, removing food sources and fixing leaking water, and says people should keep their distance and let snakes move away. Reptile Rescue Tasmania can connect residents with a local catcher.
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Researchers say people who handle wild reptiles could unknowingly spread fungal diseases between animals and places. Fungi such as the cause of snake fungal disease can infect Australian reptiles, causing severe skin problems and sometimes death. The fungi can persist in soil and decaying matter, so contaminated boots, bags and hooks may carry them. Handlers are advised to clean their hands, change gloves, use one bag per animal and disinfect tools and boots between sites.
