Wildlife expert comes to rescue as venomous snake found at inn

Local wildlife expert Michelle Jones came to the rescue on Wednesday at Geraldton Motor Inn, collecting a highly venomous western brown snake.

The snake was found by a cleaner at the inn, and Ms Jones, from GG Wildlife Rescue, was immediately called.

Staff and visitors kept the area clear and watched the snake, which kept to itself, from a distance before Ms Jones arrived to collect the snake.

“If you find one, call an expert, stay away, and keep an eye on it,” explained Ms Jones.

“These people did all the right things.”

One of the inn’s managers said they were extremely thankful to Ms Jones for coming so quickly at 3pm, at a busy part of the day when many visitors would be checking into the inn.

The western brown snake, closely related to the dugite, is highly deadly.

It will usually retreat from danger, like most snakes, but is known to be very aggressive when it feels disturbed or threatened.

They have been known to be found in urban areas, especially under rubbish or in crevices.

If bitten, first aid should be applied and medical attention should immediately be sought.

“Its called the gwardar in Yamatji, which means ‘go the long way around,’ because you definitely want to stay away from it!” Ms Jones said.