It’s official – snake season has started in Wyndham.
Tiger snakes and brown snakes have already been spotted around Point Cook, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, Werribee and Tarneit, according to Stewy the Snake Catcher, who had one call-out last week after a snake bit a dog (the dog is OK).
There was also a tiger snake spotted at the Point Cook library car park. The snake had been run over by a car and had to be euthanased due to the severity of the injuries it sustained.
The licensed and qualified snake catcher said, contrary to public perception, snake season actually starts well before September.
“The last three years we’ve been catching snakes since late July and early August,” he said.
“A lot of people will tell you it’s early, but it’s spring, and spring’s the time everything comes out from hibernation.
“Wyndham is a breeding ground for snakes, so to speak.
“Before we built new estates, there were millions of snakes.
“Now that we’ve built houses, those snakes need to go somewhere too, so they hang around and get pushed to the outskirts.
“In saying that, there are snakes everywhere – not just in Wyndham.”
Meanwhile, Wyndham council city operations director Stephen Thorpe said the council had received reports of 14 snake sightings so far this year.
The council received 148 reports of snakes in 2015.
“If you find a snake on your property, it is recommended that you watch it from a safe distance – and do not touch it,” Mr Thorpe said.
“You should safely remove people and pets from the area.
“If a snake is found on a residential property and is visible, a qualified professional snake catcher engaged by Wyndham council can remove the snake from the property.”
Residents can access this free snake removal service by calling 9742 0777.
