RESIDENTS WARNED TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SNAKES

A spike in the number of snakes spotted across Griffith in recent weeks has led Griffith City Council to issue a warning to residents.
Snakes have been sighted around residential areas, in backyards, on footpaths and in parks, with Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran urging residents to be alert.
“I’d particularly like to alert schools, child care centres and preschools to be vigilant and check playgrounds and equipment before children play,” he said.
“As the weather gets warmer, we will only see more getting around, if you see a snake, leave it alone, it is more scared of you than you are of it.”
Meanwhile, the Aboriginal Medical Service Chronic Care Team is holding a Sssnake Safety Sesh on Thursday 19 October 2023 at 11am and invite everyone in the community to come along. Learn all about what to do if you come across a snake, who to call to come get rid of it and how to wrap your leg if you get bitten plus other essential health tips. For more information or to RSVP give Erin a call on 6962 0099.
Snake safety tips:
•           Leave the snake alone! Snakes are protected and most bites happen when people try to kill or capture them. Back slowly and gently away to a safe distance and let it move away.
•           If bitten, call an ambulance immediately
•           Don't panic and don't move a bitten person or animal
•           Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage and splint
•           Don't wash, suck, cut or tourniquet the bite
Learn more from Health Direct https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/snake-bites  
How to deter snakes from making your backyard their home:
•           Keep lawns mowed and vegetation trimmed
•           Remove things snakes may shelter under such as piles of wood, old building materials or vegetation waste
•           Leave bush rock in the bush where it belongs and don’t bring it into your yard
•           Enclose chicken coops or other small animal hutches with fine mesh