Mid West experiences a huge increase in snake sightings

Have you seen more snakes than usual this summer? If so, you’re not alone. GG Wildlife Rescue owner Michelle Jones says she has noticed an increase in snake sightings over the past few months. Mrs Jones said she has “seen an 80 per cent increase in reptiles including venomous and non-venomous snakes”. As for what’s causing the rising snake numbers, she said there could be multiple factors. “I am unsure if a bumper year of steady feed or environmental factors have enabled snakes and other reptiles to breed off the chart this year,” Mrs Jones said. She expected the scorching summer conditions to negatively affect the snakes’ breeding, but it appeared to have had the opposite effect. One factor that Mrs Jones is sure of, however, is the mice infestation which has plagued some farmers in the Mid West. Mrs Jones said there was a direct link between the two phenomena as snakes were coming out to hunt the mice, particularly at night. While many would assume the snakes were dangerous, Mrs Jones said if you stayed out of their way you would be fine. “Snakes are not dangerous unless you step on one or you try to pick it up with no experience or corner it as they will bite when scared, the western brown snake is highly venomous and a very common local snake.” She had some advice for those worried about the snake surge. “Like all reptiles please watch from a distance and call the local snake remover if it needs to be relocated,” she said. “If it’s in local bush, observe the beautiful creature and watch from a distance, keep all pets on leash in these areas if possible.”