A snake is at its most venomous after it's long winter sleep. Once the snake has woken from it's hibernation the toxins are most potent, wearing off slightly over the summer season.
Queensland Museum Curator of reptiles Dr. Patrick Couper believes that Queensland's two very heavy wet seasons have created an environment conducive to greater snake numbers. Dr. Couper, curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at Queensland Museum suggests that the increased numbers of rats, mice and other wildlife across the state will mean that snakes will have a greater food source. Dr. Couper suggests that snakes will then breed in greater numbers. The increase in reptile numbers is already being seen in a wide range of locations throughout Queensland. From Warwick on the southern border area through to Hervey Bay on the mid coast. News items are reporting increased sightings of deadly snakes.
The Eastern Brown
Dr. Couper identifies the Eastern Brown as the most dangerous snake that Queenslanders might readily encounter. The Eastern Brown could kill a person in a matter of minutes if the particularly powerful venom it carries was injected directly into the blood stream. On average two to three Australians die annually from snake bites, with Eastern Brown's accounting for about half of the deaths. However most snake bite victims are bitten by less venomous and aggressive snakes.
The Eastern Brown is a snake that is inclined to become aggressive if confronted or trapped and will strike out at its perceived aggressor. Geoff Jacobs, a Brisbane snake catcher routinely removes eastern browns from a number of Brisbane homes and buildings as well as the Brisbane CBD.
Steps to Take If Bitten By a Snake
Queensland Health offer a list of steps that should be taken to give the person bitten by a snake the best possible outcome.
It is most important NOT to wash the area. It is very important to retain traces of the venom to be able to identify the snake.
- Quickly apply a broad pressure bandage over the bite area
- Little venom reaches the blood stream if firm pressure is applied over the bite and the limb is immobilised
- Call 000 – state clearly the reason for the call
- Crepe bandages are ideal, but any flexible material may be used such as clothing towels or pantyhose.
- Keep the body still, the less movement the better
- Do not cut or excise the bitten area
- Do not apply an arterial tourniquet
- Do not wash the bitten or stung area. The type of snake may be identified by the venom on the skin
- Pressure-immobilisation retards the movement of venom and buys time for the patient to reach medical care
Remember
Snakes will not attack unless they feel threatened. If a person sees a snake it is best to walk quickly away from the snake. Remember not to make any quick or sudden movements as it could be seen by the snake as an attack and it will strike out. Wear heavy boots when bush walking. Snakes have exceptional hearing and change their direction if they hear you approach. It must be noted that snakes do come out in the night, so if out walking after dark have a torch handy and use it.
A snake is not a toy so make sure you don't try to relocate the animal yourself, leave that to the professionals. If you have a snake in or around your home contact your local police and wildlife officers who will relocate the animal for you.
Sources:
Weekend Australian. Newspaper Article. November 5th 2011
Couper, Patrick. Dr. Curator. Web.Queensland Museum. 6th December 2011.
Queensland Health. Steps to Take for Snake Bite. Web. 6th December 2011.
University of Sydney. Education. Treatment of Snake Bites. Web.6th December 2011.
Parania Wilson - Parania attained her degree with a double major in welfare and sociology then spent a number of years in welfare working in Mental Health, ...
