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Sutherland Shire lifeguards had to deal with a unwelcome visitor to the beach this morning. A two metre red bellied black snake had made its way onto a concrete pathway to sun itself much to the horror of beachgoers. The lifeguards were able to catch the snake and relocate it before posting a warning on Instagram. “There have been numerous sightings already this season so please keep a look out!,” the post said. The climb towards warmer temperatures this season paired with damp conditions means snakes are on the move. Snake handler Andrew Melrose of Shire Snake Catchers Engadine told the Leader last month that milder conditions will bring out more snakes – especially around bushland. “We will start to get more activity once it warms up because breeding season starts,” he said. “99 per cent of the snakes out and about are male looking for a mate, so they’ll be on the trail scent.” The snake handler said red bellied black snakes “are the most common in the shire”. “But they’re not usually hiding, they’re just hunting for food – especially around backyard ponds where there are frogs around.” He says residents should be alert, not alarmed of the unexpected reptilian creatures. “Snakes can see movement well over an average distance, and they will only be aggressive if they feel their life is in jeopardy,” he said. “Their only reason to bite is when they become defensive.” Deaths from snake bites are also rare. Polyvalent anti-venom, which is effective for all dangerous Australian snakes, is used when the snake cannot be positively identified. It is available at St George and Sutherland Hospitals. St George Hospital emergency specialist Peter Grant says most people bitten by snakes are not seriously envenomed. “Serious envenoming occurs in approximately 10 per cent of cases,” he said. “A snake bite is an uncommon emergency, and fortunately most anti-venoms run out of date without being used. “Stocks of anti-venom are routinely audited to ensure there is adequate supply and shelf-life.”

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Snakes on the move as weather warms