There are several species of snakes in Mount Alexander Shire including eastern brown, tiger and red-bellied black snakes.
Most cases of snake bites occur when people try to kill snakes. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to capture, kill or harm them.
It is a good idea to undertake first aid training so you are prepared in the event of a snake bite. Also make sure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages.
Increased temperatures in Spring and Summer mean that snakes and other reptiles often come out to bask in the sun. Wildlife Victoria cannot relocate healthy animals so please consider calling a licensed snake handler. (See key contacts below).
If you see a snake
• Keep calm and try to move yourself, anyone with you and your pets away from the snake.
• Watch where the snake goes. Never touch or attempt to capture, hurt or kill the snake.
• Call a snake catcher - (See key contacts below).
Who to call – key contacts
Local wildlife controller Jason Lambie on 5472 3239 or 0407 723 239 (fees apply).
Local wildlife controller Adam Leslie on 0431 874 523 (fees apply).
If someone is bitten by a snake call 000 immediately.
Snakes in public areas
If you see a snake in a public area (such as a park) do not approach the snake or try to kill it. Call a wildlife controller to catch and remove the snake.
Ideas to avoid snakes when walking in reserves or parks include:
• Keep to paths
• Avoid areas of long grass
• Keep your dog on a leash
• Don’t try to walk around a snake. Turn back and find an alternate route.
Snakes on private property
If you would like a snake removed from your property you can phone a local licenced wildlife controller (See key contact details above).
There are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of snakes at your property. These include:
• Stay alert during warm weather when snakes are likely to be active. Use a torch and take particular care when walking at night where there might be snakes and wear shoes or boots as protection.
• Make your property less attractive to mice and frogs as snakes prey on these animals. If you want to create a habitat for frogs make sure it is away from buildings.
• Keep grass very short and remove rubbish, piles of wood and other cover, such as sheets of iron from your property.