NSW Ambulance is asking Young and district residents to be mindful that the arrival of spring and warmer weather has coincided with increased snake and spider activity and the potential for bites.
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Snakes in particular are on the move, looking for food and a mate after their winter hibernation.
Since July 1, 2014, NSW Ambulance paramedics have attended 27 Triple Zero (000) calls for suspected snake bites.
Another 55 calls involved suspected spider bite injuries, and three cases of patients swallowing spiders.
Redback spider activity is also expected to pick up after their winter hibernation.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Giles Buchanan advised that in the event of a snake or spider bite, people should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) advises snakes are not naturally aggressive and always prefer to retreat. They will only attack humans if hurt, provoked or cornered – most bites occur when people try to kill or capture snakes.
If people come across a snake in the bush, they are advised to back slowly away and leave the snake alone.
Around the home, remove piled up debris from the yard and keep lawns mowed to reduce the potential for reptilian surprises.
Insp Buchanan recommended that people check clothing that had been left outside before wearing them.
“Paramedics have attended many cases where people have put on boots and gloves and been bitten by spiders and even snakes which were hidden inside,” he said.
If you find a snake in your home or garden and would like it removed, call OEH on 1300 361 967 for contact details on licensed reptile handlers, or the Ask Environment Line at www.environment.nsw.gov.au.
Alternatively, if you need assistance or advice on reptiles, contact WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Inc) on 1300 094 737, or go to www.wires.org.au.
ABOVE: Eastern Brown snake.
