New housing estates across Wyndham are driving snake sightings through the roof.
In 2014, the council received 166 calls relating to snake sightings, with tiger snakes and eastern browns the most commonly sighted types.
Point Cook had the most call-outs, with 59 snake sightings last year, followed by Werribee (30 call-outs), Truganina (24) and Wyndham Vale (19).
This year, 42 snake reports were lodged with the council between January and March. Eleven of those were after-hours calls concerning residents finding snakes on their property.
Not all of the snakes that have been reported were caught.
The good news is that snake sightings are rare in the winter months, with only five reported last winter.
A Wyndham council report tabled at last month’s council meeting noted that the number of snake reports to council remained at a high level, mainly due to the continuing excavation disturbing and destroying their natural habitats.
The council encourages residents to keep yards maintained and ensure there are no gaps in, or under, fences to prevent snakes entering residential properties. Residents who spot snakes can contact the council to have a qualified snake catcher remove them.
To report a snake sighting, call
9742 0777.
Charlene Macaulay
