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Image: Justin Lantry<\/p>\nA snake catcher is urging Newcastle residents to stay alert this winter, warning they are still actively moving through suburban areas despite the cooler weather.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The caution comes after a venomous red-bellied black snake was allegedly found inside a local hospital earlier this month, sparking renewed discussion around why the reptiles are continuing to appear in homes and built-up areas at this time of the year.<\/p>\n
Snake Catcher Bronte says many people mistakenly believe snakes disappear completely once temperatures drop.<\/p>\n
However, due to Australia\u2019s milder winters, it can still provide enough warmth for them to remain active.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have the absolute pleasure of living in Australia, which means we still get warm days even in winter,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSnakes are cold-blooded, so any chance they get to warm themselves in the sun, they\u2019ll take it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s constantly cold, they\u2019ll start searching for warm environments like roof spaces, wall cavities or even car engines.\u201d<\/p>\n
Image: Justin Lantry<\/p>\n
Rather than hibernating like mammals, snakes enter a slower dormant state known as brumation, where their metabolism slows but movement continues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re still moving around, just much slower,\u201d Snake Catcher Bronte said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSnakes are just looking for shelter, warmth and water, and every now and then they might eat.\u201d<\/p>\n
She says increasing development, roadworks and land clearing across Newcastle were also forcing wildlife, including snakes, further into suburban streets and residential properties.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing more snakes, wallabies, kangaroos and birdlife pushed into those spaces because their habitats are being destroyed,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you clear their home, where are they going to go?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Snake Catcher Bronte says she had noticed an increase in callouts in newly-developed estates and areas undergoing major construction around the Newcastle area.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople tell me they\u2019ve never had snakes before, but suddenly all this land gets cleared and now they\u2019ve had two, three or four sightings,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEven mowing long grass can disturb a snake\u2019s habitat and increase the chances of seeing one.<\/p>\n
\u201cSnakes typically enter any area searching for three things \u2013 shelter, water and food.\u201d<\/p>\n
They also play an important role in controlling pests around homes and gardens, often helping reduce rats and mice before moving on naturally.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Image: Justin Lantry<\/p>\n
Snake Catcher Bronte explained cluttered backyards, stacked timber, outdoor pet bowls, pools and rodent activity could all attract snakes looking for somewhere to rest or hunt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019ve got chickens and scattered feed attracting rats and mice, that becomes a food source,\u201d she told the Newcastle Weekly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPiles of materials laying around, shoes left outside or overgrown grass, those types of things create shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite common fear surrounding snakes, Snake Catcher Bronte says most species, including red-bellied black snakes, were defensive rather than aggressive.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA snake\u2019s first instinct is to leave,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people corner them or try to handle them, that\u2019s when things become dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n
She warned the biggest mistake residents make is trying to catch or kill snakes themselves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people say, \u2018I have to protect my family\u2019, but if you get bitten trying to handle a snake, that doesn\u2019t help anyone,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you see a snake, keep children and pets away, isolate the area if possible and call a professional.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snake Catcher Bronte says her message to Newcastle residents as snake activity continues into the colder months is simple.<\/p>\n
\u201cSnakes are not out to get you, they are just trying to survive,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGive them space, keep calm and call a professional when you need help!\u201d<\/p>\n
For more news stories:<\/p>\n