Snakes !!

Newgale · Member

Snakes !!

spida · Guru

Only seen one on the road and another which was caught and disposed of near a camp. That is after 18 months on the road!

blaze · Guru

One the road 3 years and one live tiger seen crossing a walking track in Albany, Seen a couple crossing roads in the Kimberley, Got bit on the big toe in Rockingham (wa) but wasn't aware until the next day, although when it happened I thought I had kicked a stick and looked down and seen a bit of blood on my toe. The next day We clearly seen the puncture wounds in my toe. Have since been told that they don't always release venom so I feel that is most likely what happened, The lesson learnt was that you don't walk in the bush with open foot ware.
They are about, don't be fearful but aware they are more scared of us than we of them and most bites occur when attempting to kkill or catch them, just let them be
cheers
blaze

SnowT · Guru

I've seen a few snake's in my time..

A few on the road's getting warm..
- One death adder..

I've walked close to a few snake's..
- tiger snake's a few..
- Brown snake..

the one that made me jump away real quick was while walking on french island thru a tidal flat's area. I stepped over a Red-belly black, when I saw it between my legs I jumped away that quick I must of cleared 5m that quick I don't remember..

Juergen

Psst I hate snake's myself. especially the poison type's..

mongrel · Guru

could not agree with you more blaze .Live near a forest in Penrith NSW.Have had several both reds and browns and the best thing to do is watch and leave them alone.They do move on .Alan.

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Snakes can be anywhere when you are in the bush - particularly in rocky country, long grass, short grass - anywhere!

First thing to remember is they do not "hear" you coming but actually "feel" you coming - through the ground. So when walking anywhere in the bush, make deliberate, firm footsteps. They will "feel" you coming and move away before you even know they are there.

Snakes DO NOT want to attack you. They have absolutely no need for you - they can't eat you so they have no interest in you. They will usually simply move away when they feel you coming because you are much bigger than them and they do not want to get hurt.

Unfortunately, there are times when a snake is 'snoozing' on a rock, under a rock, near a log, on a grassy clearing etc etc and your approach will 'disturb' them .. and if they have been snoozing, you are quite likely to not just disturb them but startle them. It is at this time they may show 'interest' in you - but only because they have assumed the "flight or fight" mode.

So what should you do? When walking in the bush, ALWAYS keep scanning about a metre and a half in front of where you are going - especially to the edge of the track, toward that rock, toward that log, before you step over that log and give yourself a chance to do the next most important thing.

When you see the snake - STOP IMMEDIATELY ... AND REMAIN STOPPED. Quietly, but clearly, immediately advise those with you that there is a snake - "Snake - STOP!". Compose yourself sufficiently to ensure you NOTE THE DETAILS OF THE SNAKE - what type is it ... describe it just in case something does go wrong and you need to tell the medical team .... or the TV reporters.

The snake, now no longer under threat, will simply slither away leaving you with your pulse elevated and a few beads of sweat on your brow.

Those bitten by snakes are usually bitten on the ankle or foot - because they startled a snake and nearly walked on it. This is another valid reason for wearing good footwear in the bush - ankle protection/support is excellent insurance against getting either bitten, or twisting your ankle when you move suddenly.

The next main area of strike is on the hand, wrist or forearm - because people try to kill the snake ... usually with a completely unsuitable implement.

Remember also, snakes are a protected species and it is illegal to kill one. However, if you really are threatened by a snake then use something like a shovel. Not a big straight stick.

I have been camping all around this country in all habitats for at least 50 of my years and I have seen a few snakes. However, the advice above will mean if you encounter one, you can enjoy the experience far more readily. They can be intriguing creatures to observe - add them to your wildlife appreciation list.

Cheers - John

Cloak · Guru

I've found that if you make enough noise they stay away also walk slowly so they have time to slither away if you are trecking.
We always wear leather boots in the forrest just in case. We live just over the water from French Island and they tell me the place
is rotten with red bellies and tiger snakes but have only seen one dead - none living in the 8 years we've lived here.

Old Harry next door tells me he counted 15 on one walking trip a few years ago but never heard of anyone getting bit.

To be honest Sally they are an over rated threat in my opinion, I'm more scared of bull ants, hate them.

johnq · Guru

With the warmth there are plenty around.

98% of Aussies are urban. Few know not to crash around after dark. No proper footwear and no long loose pants. No torch. You see people just picking up firewood and objects left lying on the ground. Some don't shake out camp bedding or check boots. Some walk in sandals through grass near water. Some don't bother to look about when getting water from the tank/tap.

No one would suggest locking oneself indoors, but keeping a watchful eye, not doing the truly dumb things and knowing first aid are needed.

The last bloke who told me he hadn't seen a snake only had to wait about 20mins for me to show him a large brown moving out of the way on a SEQld coastal sand road.

Newgale,
Take a bit of care as suggested above. Stop and move back from them. Go a bit slower on walks, no rush. Contrary to what some television 'adventurers' seem to believe, wildlife don't generally appreciate human interference.

Buy some rolls of wide (get wider than you reckon is wide) elastic bandage anyhow to put in the day pack when walking in the bush. Store in car. There is a very good video from a Aussie bushman that I can't find at the moment. However the essentials are immobilisation, compression bandage and reassurance. Get the ambo to come to them. This link wrongly says 'tourniquet' when the right compression bandage was used:

www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mum-saves-son-by-applying-a-tourniquet-after-brown-snake-bite/story-e6freoof-1225995103098

PeterInSa · Guru

On a recent trip, east of Broken Hill, travelling around 100Km/Hr, I was watching 2 B doubles approach in the opposite direction, Margaret sings out, snake in the middle of the road, just glanced at it, a 5ft Black snake, did not feel any bump, so reasoned that it was still in the middle of the road when we passed over it. Asked the second truckie was there a dead snake on the road ( could have been a dead snake that we saw). No snake was the reply.

Another Truckie following behind me and listening in to Ch 40, said he could see something hanging down underneath our vehicle. Ah.... only joking he said. I turned around and drove back just in case the truckies missed the dead snak on the road. No snake on the road. Turned around again and stopped further down the road and looked under the vehicle could not see any snake.

Later came across another snake curled up by the side of the road.

Now when we see a snake by the side of /on the road, myself or Margaret ensure that after we pass by we can still see the snake in the revision mirror.

Note: we have seen a snake in an engine bay that was flipped up by the front wheels of a vehicle.

Suggest you do not show my comment to your partner.

03_troopy · Guru

The closest I have been to being too close to a snake was at work. I was fitting out a battery bay in a mine service vehicle and went to get a short length of 50mm battery cable from the offcut pile near the bench. When i looked at the pile I saw one of the battery cables move. Then it slithered out and dissapeared down a piece of heat shrink tubing that was laying beside the pile. It was a juvenile blacksnake about 600mm long, just about the same thickness as a piece of 50mm battery cable. I'm glad i saw it move before I grabbed hold of it. But it did create a bit of excitement for the day, and a bit of a headache for the OHS bloke.

D and D · Guru

In a previous job I had to research snake bites and possible snake repellents. It was interesting to note that more than 90% of people treated for snake bites in Australian hospitals the previous reporting year were guys and 90% of them were pissed at the time and trying to kill the snake - snakes tend to get a little agro when people try to kill them - funny that!!!!! The other interesting statistic was something like the slowest snake is 10 times faster than the fastest human or something like that. At one particular site we were experiencing 25 or more snake sightings a year of which the snake catcher would get 10 or so. We installed something similar to this: http://www.snakescarers.com.au/snake%20scarers.html and we didn't have a single snake sighting in 3 years. The guys were provided with a couple which they would push into the ground while setting up for work and let it do its magic, do the job, pull up the snake scarer and go on back to the workshop. Ideal for a campsite and at this price you could probably afford a couple.

copper1 · Guru

Newgale wrote:
Hi all
We plan to set out on the big lap early next year. I think I'm sensible when it comes to snakes, but I'm not obsessed and fearful. My partner however has a real fear and no matter what I say will not be reassured. How often have you had a close encounter, and what is the best way of dealing with them ( play dead, scream, run !)

OH dear Newgale, snakes are a part of Aussie, personally we live in a high red belly black snake area, had one in the house and one at the front door last year, and we live in town. Both were 3'3" plucky little buggers, try not to worry about things that you might not see we have free camped in some pretty bush areas across Aus and had no problems compared to home. here's a pic of one snake that met his match out the front of the house last year.

The dog lady · Guru

Been living in the bush most of my adult life and seen plenty of snakes. My blasted dogs think it's fun to round up a taipan and bring it to under the house for me to dispose of. Snakes don't want to bite us because that would be a waste of the venom they need for catching food. Plus they're smart enough to know that the only truly dangerous creatures on this marvellous island called Australia are the humans! Give them the chance to get away without a close encounter and they will do just that. So wear good walking shoes and long pants and don't worry smile

Feral Errol · Veteran Member

Just a point for owners of small dogs. Large snakes (Taipan , Western plains brown and others of similar size) see small dogs as food and will tend to attack them for a meal.

We lose a lot of Jack Russel's down near home to larger Tigers as the Jack Russell'swill not leave them alone and end up getting bitten.

This is my biggest worry with my two small dogs.

The dog lady · Guru

Feral Errol wrote:
Just a point for owners of small dogs. Large snakes (Taipan , Western plains brown and others of similar size) see small dogs as food and will tend to attack them for a meal.
We lose a lot of Jack Russel's down near home to larger Tigers as the Jack Russell'swill not leave them alone and end up getting bitten.
This is my biggest worry with my two small dogs.

When I bought this property I fully expected to lose one of my Italian greyhounds 'cos they just won't leave them alone either. But they're quick, and 5years on they're still at it. My son lost one of his Pugs tho

Sheba · Guru

Feral Errol wrote:
Just a point for owners of small dogs. Large snakes (Taipan , Western plains brown and others of similar size) see small dogs as food and will tend to attack them for a meal.

Don't forget about Pythons.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Golddetectornomad · Senior Member

Prospectors invariably see numerous snakes as we are slow and deliberate when using our detectors and don't make much sound but most of us wear gaters or ankle prickle protectors so are reasonably protected...just let them slither away at their own pace and I've never had a problem...in awe of their beauty if anything...masters of their own turf......
I had one occasion to feel very uncomfortable..long story short..I had seen several largish brown snakes in the area I was detecting and due to not allowing for daylight saving lack of light and not having my vital survival backpack as well, I found myself having to sleep the night in unfamiliar territory by a Billabong with frogs croaking all night, no torch, frogs mean snakes,,water means snakes....all I had was my detector and few small gold nuggets and you cant eat them!....very uncomfortable as I interpreted every movement/sound around me as a large brown as I lay down by the Billabong....orb spiders building webs between every tree and they position themselves directly in the centre at face high.....moral: I never go detecting now without my survival backpack which contains snake bandages as well as food and torches, baby wipes!..etc etc...Hoo Roo

Ontos45 · Guru

Some of the older readers here will remember the old "snake bite" kits we used to have. When I a kid it was a belting if I left home without it. (I'm 68)
It comprised of a wooden or metal tube with a razor sharp lancet in one end and con-dies crystals (?) in the other. We taught to use our belt as a tourniquet above the bite behind knee or elbow using a matchbox to increase pressure. Remember no anti-venom then so you on you own. You slit the bite vertically to make it bleed and then pored the crystals on the wound. Old timers used to use gun powder.
We may have the most poisonous snakes but when I was in Africa saw spitting cobra's that did not miss your eyes (wash out with water) damn Boom slangs that dropped out of trees on you and black mamba's that stood on their tails to bite you. Park Davis brought out a pocket book showing pictures of the snakes and the amount of anti-venom to inject. Yes, we carried multi-spectrum anti-venom as a medic.
Where we live now at Kinka Beach Qld. on 10 acres have heaps of yellow belly blacks, part of the scenery. Hate spiders more.

Peter

rosco532 · Senior Member

Newgale......Not sure if your partner has any Kiwi in him but I can assure you that there is no way (even after reading these posts)..I will ever feel comfortable about snakes.

I admit that I haven't seen to many but go out of my way to make sure that there are none in the areas we camp...(if possible)...

I know how your partner feels as they frighten the living daylight out of me.

One more tip We learn't was if you do travel with pets...don't leave their water bowls out side your van / tents etc to close to your door.....Chap got bitten early one morning stepping outside his van by a snake that was there looking for the water he could sense,... (we also now leave the water bowl inside a larger plate of water to keep the ants away from her food / water.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Rosco its not only snakes that will come for pet food/water. Lots of native and feral animals will come to get a drink or feed, especially in the drought.

Its also important not to leave your garbage out for the same reason!

JayDee · Guru

My old man told me many many years ago that when he was Ring Barking back when he was 20 something, out west they used to use cut down tyres to act like cricket pads because of the death adders in the area.
I believed him.
Jay&Dee

QueenKombi · Senior Member

Ontos45 wrote:
Some of the older readers here will remember the old "snake bite" kits we used to have. When I a kid it was a belting if I left home without it. (I'm 68)
It comprised of a wooden or metal tube with a razor sharp lancet in one end and con-dies crystals (?) in the other.
Peter

I'm a few years your junior, but I believe there's still one of those kits sitting my old drawer at mum's old place (my sister lives there now). I think I got it as part of a birthday or Christmas present. Never used of course, hence why it's still there.

And yes, the "magic" crystals were in fact "Condy's Crystals" or "Potassium Permanganate." Mum had a bottle of the stuff and it stained the heck out of our hands if we played with it

beiffe · Guru

You can get solar snake repeller,"Yard Solar Power Multi Pulse Snake Pest Repeller" not sure how they work but I have just bought some off ebay to test when I get away from the family and start living again (next week).

They emit a high pitch sound. The SIL has them near his horse stables and has not seen a snake since getting them.

The only time I saw a snake in 5 years was when fishing and it swam across the river a hundred meters upstream from me.

Regards
Brian

Pete49 · Senior Member

friend had them last summer and swore they worked until we had a bbq that lasted well into the night and then saw 3 in his yard and shed within 20 mins....saved my money and just rely on my contract with them. Worked so far. If one becomes a problem Mr Winchester talks to them loudly. Only happened once in over ten years all the rest behave now days and there are quite a few around mostly after mice near the chook yard. they and the chooks get on ok and no eggs taken. The snakes have 19 acres to play hide & seek with the goannas on so they tend to leave my acre alone.

Pete

oldbobsbus · Guru

Gee after reading all of your stories you even have me worried.. and I have lived in the bush all of my 75yrs..

There are a lot more things to worry about when traveling than snakes.. Idiots with steering wheels in their hands would be No. 1 on my list..

All I can say is if you are worried about snakes just stay away from the places where you would be likely to find them, as others said they are not going to come and seek you out so best you don't go seeking them out.

Whats the old saying.."If ya cant stand the heat stay out of the kitchen".

rosco532 · Senior Member

You won't believe it but....Got to work last night and the last Truck Driver to arrive reported a snake in the truck parking area...lol......sure put me off patrolling that area last night...must have come in on one of the last pineapple trucks to arrive

Cheers

Captain · Veteran Member

Snakes are not really a problem. More people present at hospitals with spider bites and bee/wasp stings than snake bites. Also, there are NO recorded deaths from a snake bite where the proper first aid treatment WAS CARRIED OUT AT THE TIME. If you're on the road and miles from nowhere, you should have a knowledge of what to do in the event of a bite. How many travellers have a CURRENT first aid certificate and know what to do. If you enrol in a first aid course you will be shown the Pressure Immobilisation Technique and if applied prior to seeking medical aid, no problem. The days of cutting through the bite, sucking the poison out and rubbing condies crystals into the area went out possibly 50 years ago. No torniquets under any circumstances.

Ontos45 · Guru

Hi Captain

"No torniquets under any circumstances."
Sorry, cannot agree there. I have attended injuries, limb loss etc., where we used a medical tourniquet until we stabilized the patient for evacuation. The main reason that tourniquets went out of favour was that some farmers used fencing wire as a tourniquet and if it was not seen or released after 20 mins the surrounding skin covered it up and a bugger to release. A belt far better at least an inch wide. Same as air splints were frowned on by some, if not changed, but they same as a tourniquet and allow speed in treatment and evacuating the patient. It's not the procedure so much as operator problems.

Peter

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Perhaps it is time to provide professional advice on the treatment of snake bite ... just in case someone does have the misfortune to be bitten.

http://www.stjohn.org.au/images/stjohn/information/fact_sheets/FS_snakebite.pdf

[edit: guess it helps to explain DRSABCD - see attached image]

Cheers - John

-- Edited by rockylizard on Monday 2nd of December 2013 10:52:15 AM

Ontos45 · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Perhaps it is time to provide professional advice on the treatment of snake bite ... just in case someone does have the misfortune to be bitten.
http://www.stjohn.org.au/images/stjohn/information/fact_sheets/FS_snakebite.pdf
[edit: guess it helps to explain DRSABCD - see attached image]
Cheers - John

-- Edited by rockylizard on Monday 2nd of December 2013 10:52:15 AM

Thanks John for the link and picture.

I was commenting on tourniquets not modern snake bite/CPR procedures.

Cannot advise more strongly that everyone should have at least the minimum first aid training for every day use.

Sue is an ex-nurse and I was a medic in a past life and even we getting an update course to keep abreast of modern procedures.

Peter

-- Edited by Ontos45 on Monday 2nd of December 2013 01:00:50 PM

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.