Snakes alive

Muswellbrook volunteer snake handler, Daryl Claydon, said he is getting more calls than usual to come and retrieve the protected species.

“I was with the SES for 22 years and I’ve stepped down from that role, but I’ve stayed with Wildlife Aid because there is a need for snake handlers in the town.

“They’re endemic to this area, this is where they come from, and there are black snakes, brown snakes and everything in between,” he said.

The Department of Environment said the most dangerous snakes belong to the front-fanged group which, in NSW, include the tiger snake, brown snake, death adder, mulga or king brown snake and a few species of sea snake.

The Department said snakes are not naturally aggressive and always prefer to retreat, usually only attacking humans if hurt or provoked.

Daryl Claydon said his main role is to help people if the snakes get inside.

“That happens fairly regularly either because some maintenance hasn’t been done around the house or because there are gaps underneath doors which allow them to get in.

“I had one last week in someone’s yard in Muswellbrook, a fairly large brown snake, and there were young children around.

 “The new sub-divisions on the periphery of town tend to be their domain and they’ll come out of the rural area looking for water and somewhere cool to lie on a hot day,” he said.

Mr Claydon said the snakes are very venomous.

“They’ll put you in intensive care for a week if they bite you; they’re not good at all.

“As soon as any noise is made they’re usually gone, but if you back a brown snake into a corner he’ll rear up and fight where a red-bellied black snake will try and get out of your way,” he said.

Daryl Claydon said there are a few simple tips to follow if you happen to see a snake.

“Call Wildlife Aid, watch where it goes and keep your children and pets away from it.

“In a worst case scenario if you get bitten, call Triple Zero immediately, immobilize the limb and then sit down and don’t move,” he said.