South Australians are being encouraged to keep a keen eye out for snakes as the weather warms up, with figures revealing that 2024 was one of the worst years for bites since 2020.
New SA Ambulance Service data shows that 91 patients were treated for snake bites last year – the highest number of callouts in the past five years.
Summer has been the busiest season for our ambos, with more than 170 bites between December and February since 2020, compared to around 130 bites in spring over the same period.
During the warmer months snakes come out of brumation – a hibernation-like state – signalling that breeding season is underway.
Steps to minimise snake encounters at home include keeping the yard clear of long grass, removing rubbish and actively reducing rats and mice on the property.
Bushwalkers in national parks and reserves are advised to stick to trails, make some noise when walking and wear enclosed footwear and long pants.
Benita Dillon, Principal Ecologist Wildlife Management with the Department for Environment and Water, said snakes played an important place in our ecosystem, especially in controlling rats and mice.
"Just because you’ve never seen a snake on your property doesn’t mean they aren’t there, so you should always be careful about putting your hands or feet into spots you can’t see, like long grass, or that pile of junk behind the shed," Ms Dillon said.
Venomous species commonly found across the state include eastern brown snakes, red-bellied black snakes, copperhead snakes, western brown snakes and tiger snakes.
Snakes – which are a protected species and play a vital role in the state’s ecosystem – should be left alone if encountered, whether they are venomous or not. Most snake bites occur only when someone attempts to handle or kill a snake.
If found inside the home, keep children and pets away, watch where the snake goes if safe to do so and call a licenced snake catcher to remove it.
If someone is bitten by a snake, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Keep the person as calm and still as possible and apply pressure bandaging.
If the bite is to a limb, apply another pressure bandage, beginning at the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and extending upward to cover as much of the limb as possible. Leave the bandage in place until medical help arrives.
Do not wash the bite, cut the wound, apply a tourniquet or attempt to catch the snake.
For more information on living with snakes and property maintenance, visit environment.sa.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/living-with-wildlife/snakes
