A BROWN snake stretched across the pathway on Oxley Beach, another sliding across the dunes of the North Shore and a red-bellied black snake heading towards Lighthouse Beach at the entrance to the camel rides; all signs that we’re heading into snake mating season.
Stuart Johnson of Reptile Solutions told News Of The Area that male snakes are now on the move looking for a mate while the females are busy feeding as they get ready to incubate.
“This week’s been the busiest so far,” he said.
“Usually by around September things get more active as temperatures increase.”
Most of his call-outs have been to relocate brown snakes, red-bellies and pythons.
“I’ve just been out to Huntingdon for a large healthy male red-bellied black snake, around 1.5m to 1.6m.
“I’ve seen quite a few in good condition. They’ve had more to feed on than normal.”
Stuart confirmed that two dogs and two red bellies recently died after getting into separate fights in Wauchope.
However, he said snakes tend to stay clear of humans.
Last week, Mimi Dickens shared photos of a red-bellied black snake making its way through the long grass near the camel rides entrance to Lighthouse Beach.
Stuart said red bellies tend to prefer drier areas with brown snakes more commonly found close to the dunes.
He said he has never heard of Death Adders in the dunes of local beaches, contrary to some comments on social media, while Tiger Snakes are more likely to be found in the tablelands and high altitude areas like Gingers Creek and Elands.
There are around 13 species of snake in the Hastings area and many are misidentified.
These include the juvenile eastern brown, the Stephens’ banded snake and the rough-scaled snake.
All three are highly venomous.
If you need to identify a snake, go to the Australian Snake Identification, Education and Advocacy (ASIEA) website or social pages.
If you need to relocate one, firstly avoid it, then call a qualified snake catcher.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council warns that the warmer weather will bring an increase in sightings.
A spokesperson said, “We recommend people remain vigilant around our parks, gardens, reserves and open spaces, and other popular recreational areas where children and dogs are present.
“For more information, visit the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website.”
By Sue STEPHENSON
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