Snakes arriving as weather warms up | Whitsundays News | Local News in Whitsundays

IT IS that time of year again, with temperatures on the increase, snakes are starting to make themselves known in backyards throughout the region.

Whitsunday Regional Council has advised that it is not the local authority for removing snakes.

Council does not provide services for the relocation of snakes but has advised that the best option is to call the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) wildlife hotline on 1300 130 372.

However, deputy mayor Cr Rogin Taylor said that he understood why people would think they could call Council if there was a snake in their home.

He also said that if a snake was attacking him or his family, he would certainly consider killing it in self defence.

Council's message to the community was that residents should be aware and take precautions around their homes to reduce the chances of snakes entering their yards and homes.

Council's advice includes: n Keeping the grass in your yard short n Wear protective clothing whilst working in or walking around your yard n Eliminate rubbish, sheets of tin or any other materials that would provide suitable shelter for snakes n Carry a torch when venturing into your yard at night time. Council's manager of Ranger Services, Craig Newsome said snakes were best left alone and that people should not approach them or try moving them.

"Residents just need to be aware that they are around at this time of year and they need to take the necessary precautions," Mr Newsome said

"If you find you have a snake in your house, open the external doors and windows and shut off access to other rooms," he said.

If anyone in the region is qualified to safely relocate snakes and would like to be a point of contact for residents in the Whitsundays, they can call Whitsunday Regional Council on 4945 0200 to leave contact details.