MORE SNAKES have been captured in Greater Bunbury this November than the total amount caught last summer.
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Volunteer trained snake handler Kim Grant said she has captured nine snakes this month alone.
“That is more than we caught in total over the summer months,” Ms Grant said.
Ms Grant warned residents that they need to be cautious around the Bunbury area.
Only yesterday Ms Grant caught a 1.3 metre dugite in a Ocean Drive resident’s garden.
Three weeks ago she caught her first snake of the season at Bunbury’s abattoir which measured over two metres.
The most commonly snake found in Bunbury is a dugite which less dangerous than a black mamba but more dangerous than an Indian cobra.
Ms Grant said if a person is bitten they need to take action straight away.
“Do not remove the venom, bandage the wound, raise the limb, attach a splint and get straight to the hospital,” she warned.
“Do not clean the wound and don’t suck the poison out.”
Ms Grant said dugites ranged from a sandy cream colour, to dark brown and black.
But what does she advise if you see a snake?
“Don’t run, the best thing you can do is stand still,” Ms Grant said.
“They will follow movement so you have to stand still and let the snake pass.”
She also recommended to keep pets’ water bowls away from your house as snakes would seek water during the hot months.
“I guarantee if you have a vacant block or sandy paddock near you, a snake has been through your backyard,” she said.
Ms Grant is a licensed volunteer snake handler and can be contacted on 0417 992 492.
