As the days become warmer, snakes are starting to emerge from their winter brumation to bask in the sun and search for food and a mate.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Senior Wildlife Project Officer for Gippsland, Simon Ruff, said: “Sunny weather also means it’s more likely people will encounter a snake.”

“It’s not uncommon to find snakes warming themselves on a rock or in a clearing during winter, particularly on a sunnier day, so it’s important we’re mindful that they can be out and about earlier than normally expected.

“Snakes are generally shy and prefer to keep away from people and often when a snake is found in a backyard it’s because it’s moving through the area to another habitat.”

Copperheads are the only snake known to breed on Phillip Island, but there are many different species across the local area.

“In Gippsland, Tiger Snakes and Lowland Copperheads are more common near the coast, while Eastern Browns prefer the drier areas. Red bellied Black Snakes are also common.

“These four species are venomous, but it is rare for them to bite people. Most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill a snake.

“Being aware that snakes may be around and being informed about how to react to them is important at this time of year,” Mr Ruff said.

Island

Last year, Dr Sutherland, Deputy Research Director at Phillip Island Nature Parks told the Advertiser female copperheads produced an average of 20 young during their lifespan and said the reptiles were ovoviviparous – which means the young hatch from the egg inside the mother’s body and emerge live.

He said the copperhead could often be encountered basking in the morning, then hiding when it got too hot and were likely to be spotted this time of year.

“They’re cold adapted, so can be active even in cool and rainy conditions,” he said.

If you do encounter one, his advice is to leave it alone.

“Copperheads are in no way aggressive. If there is a concern, you will need to call a registered snake handler that can remove problem snakes if needed.”

The warmer weather means other local reptiles will be more active, including blue-tongue lizards and skinks, so watch out on the roads and walking tracks.

Advice

If you live in an area with snakes, please remember:

• When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people.
• If you see a snake, keep calm and move yourself and anyone with you (including pets) away from the area.
• Don't attempt to capture or harm snakes. Instead call DELWP on 136 186 for further advice.
• Maintain lawns and clean up around your house, as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, chook sheds, sheets of metal, and building materials.
• Undertake first aid training and ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages, and if someone is bitten, call 000 immediately.

Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it is illegal to capture, harm, or kill them. If you have information about people wilfully destroying protected wildlife, please contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.