Stay Snake Smart This Summer

Whilst out exploring the region, residents have begun to notice several snake sightings in and around the Burdekin Shire, leading the Burdekin Shire Council to implement cautionary signage to warn the community.

With the school holidays and the festive season fast approaching, the community are being reminded to stay alert, especially considering the shire homes just over 70 diverse species of reptiles. As published by the Queensland Government Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the majority of the 73 species of reptiles within the Burdekin Shire are considered harmless, however, several venomous snakes are known to inhabit local bushlands, farms, creeks, and even residential backyards during the warmer months of the year.

The Eastern Brown Snake has been confirmed as a common specie in the area and has also been labelled as one of the country’s most venomous reptiles, with locals warned to stay alert near cane paddocks, open grasslands, and on rural properties for the fast-moving and defensive predator. Other common species include the Whipsnake, Green Tree Snake, Carpet Python, and Brown Tree Snake which can be found in gardens, roofs, and bushlands.

With the temperatures rising, snake encounters often become more frequent during this time of the year, and there are several steps you can take to keep you and your family safe these holidays such as:

1. Keeping backyards tidy.
2. Securing homes and sheds.
3. Wearing shoes outdoors.
4. Cautioning your children to never approach or touch a snake.
5. Keeping your pets on leads when walking near creeks or bushland.

If you spot a snake out and about, remember to keep your distance, and if necessary, contact North Queensland Wildlife Care on 0414 717 374 or Jeremy’s Reptile Relocations Townsville on 0403 187 712.

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A sign warning the community of snake sightings in the area has been put in place at Plantation Park (Photo Credit: Chelsea Ravizza)

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