Community
21 May, 2025
Snake bite safety at Heytesbury
RESIDENTS learnt all about snake and spider safety at the Peterborough Community Hall last Sunday.
The event was organised by Heytesbury and District Landcare Network who brought out Black Snake Productions to host the seminar with various species of wildlife.
There were 28 people in attendance which organisers said was positive for heightened community safety.
Black Snakes Productions’ Michael Alexander said the most important thing to do to prevent snake bites was to never interact with snakes in the first place.
“The number one reason for snake bites is interacting with snakes – don’t pick them up,” he said.
“Snakes will run away because they’re not interested in us and they won’t actually attack people unprompted.
“Accidental bites are because people aren’t aware they’re there.
“People need to be aware of their surroundings and be prepared.”
Mr Alexander said being prepared included more than having the right gear and knowing how to look out for snakes.
“Have loose fitting pants and snake bite proof gaiters in long grass and gloves when gardening,” he said.
“That can help prevent bites, but there’s more to do in case you do get bitten.
“You need communication that works in a remote area so you’re not always relying on mobile phones – they’re not always suitable because reception can be lost.
“Have first aid and know how to use it, like decent snake bite bandages – I recommend smart bandages because they show you how tight to put them on.”
When it comes to spiders, according to Mr Alexander, they pose much less of a threat than snakes do.
“Spiders really aren’t a big deal,” he said.
“You can treat most bites with ice and prevent bites when gardening by wearing gloves.
“Red backs are probably the biggest worry, and they love to hide between things, so just keep an eye out.”
Participants watched Mr Alexander handle various species of snakes in the snake pit including a lowland copperhead, an eastern brown snake, a red-belly black snake and two different colour variations of tiger snake.
Everyone had the opportunity to practice applying first aid on one another using pressure bandages.
At the end of the safety talk, Mr Alexander presented a general wildlife talk, including how to support the environment and conservation efforts.
Lots of other animals were brought along including fat-tailed dunnarts, a spotted quoll, a flying fox, blue tongued lizards, a barn owl, a red pump parrot, a southern water skink, a red back spider, a huntsman spider, a baby eastern brown snake, a young tiger snake, pobblebonks, and growling grass frogs.
Attendees were able to get up close and touch some of the animals brought by Mr Alexander while learning more about them.
Heytesbury and District Landcare Network Landcare coordinator Michelle Leech thanked Mr Alexander and Black Snake Productions for the seminar and presentation.
Read More: Peterborough