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SNAKE ALERT

The weather has definitely warmed up which means that snakes are on the move. Spring is the time that snakes come out of brumation (a hibernation-like state).

They begin to become more active looking further afield for mates and food. You can make your property less attractive to snakes by keeping shrubs trimmed, lawns mowed and the garden tidy. Get rid of any piles of rubble, wood or metal sheeting where snakes can shelter.

If you find a snake on your property stay calm and don’t make any sudden movements. Keep an eye on it and make sure kids and pets stay away. Then call a professional snake catcher or local wildlife organisation. Remember killing a snake is illegal in NSW – leave the removal to professional catchers. Treat any snake you see as potentially venomous. Living in such a rural area and knowing Hawkesbury residents enjoy the outdoors, it makes sense to have a snake bite kit in the home or in the car – just to be on the safe side.

The Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre at Richmond stocks an excellent Snake Bite Kit by the Australian company Equip. This $19 kit includes an emergency action card, two heavy compression bandages including one with compression indicators, two triangle bandages and detailed snake bite first aid instructions.

To buy the Snake Bite Kit drop into the Visitor Information Centre (opposite the RAAF base), 328 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond. Open 7 days a week. You can also call 02 45604620 (have your credit card handy) and the kit can be posted to you.

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