Media Release
Friday, 22 November 2013
Snake season starts as weather warms up
Moonee Valley City Council warns residents to be on the lookout during snake season which
takes place each year during the warmer months from September to February.
Mayor of Moonee Valley, Cr Jan Chantry reminded residents that, while Moonee Valley’s many
reserves are great places to relax, some are also natural habitats for snakes in the warm
weather.
“As the weather warms up, snakes will begin to emerge from their winter hide, usually in
search of water or food.”
“Please take care when walking along creeks and bike tracks, and make sure you keep your
dog on lead in parks, especially along waterways,” Cr Chantry said.
Snakes are an essential part of natural food chains, both as food for other animals and as
predators of small animals, for example, mice, rats and frogs. It is illegal to kill, keep or catch
snakes in Victoria unless you are licensed to do so.
Portfolio holder for Environmental Sustainability, Cr Shirley Cornish, said if residents see a
snake on your property the safest thing to do is to have it taken away by a professional wildlife
controller.
“Leave the snake alone, as aggravating it only makes the snake controller’s job harder. Simply
keep an eye on the snake until help arrives,” Cr Cornish said
Discouraging snakes from your property
There are steps you can take to make your backyard less attractive for snakes. A wellmaintained garden is less likely to attract snakes onto your property.
 Cut your grass regularly - start cutting close to your house and work outwards as snakes
head away from vibrations.
 Keep backyard materials to a minimum. Things leaning against your fence make good
hiding places for snakes.
 Pets like chickens, rabbits and birds attract mice – a favourite food for snakes.
mvcc.vic.gov.au – 9243 8888
9 Kellaway Ave – PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
Snakes in Moonee Valley
The most common snakes in Moonee Valley are the brown and tiger snakes. The tiger snake
has green or black coloured stripes. Tiger snakes are generally frightened of you and will try to
get away when approached. The brown snake is silvery to chocolate brown coloured and has
a very small head. Brown snakes can be aggressive when provoked.
Snake bites
If you are bitten by a snake, do not wash the wound. Apply a bandage firmly to the bite – use
material or clothing if you don’t have a bandage – and keep the area still. Dial 000 for advice
and have someone drive you to the hospital, or ask for an ambulance if you are on your own.
If you suspect that your pet might have been bitten by a snake, take it to a vet immediately. If
they seem to recover after a snake bite, that is a strong indication of a fatal bite. Don’t wait and
see – you may lose a valued family friend.
Hospitals with antivenin
 Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, 9342 7000
 Sunshine Hospital, Furlong Road, St Albans, 8345 1333
 Western Hospital, Gordon Street, Footscray, 8345 6666
 Williamstown Hospital, Railway Crescent, Williamstown, 9393 0100
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Letitia Duncan, Moonee Valley City Council
Mobile: 0408 570 106; Email: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au
mvcc.vic.gov.au – 9243 8888
9 Kellaway Ave – PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039