Nature Spotting around Palmwoods
with Trish

SNAKES

At this time of the year snakes are coming out of their resting places for warmth and may be spotted basking in a protected, sunny site. They are inactive for the 3 coldest months of the year and spend this time in burrows, hollow logs and under rocks or even in termite mounds. They are not able to digest food when temperatures are low and would actually die if they ate in cold weather.

Of the 110 species of snakes in Australia, only 28 are potentially dangerous to humans. Snakes seldom attack unless provoked; will bite people only if they feel threatened. It is therefore wise to leave any snake well alone, as most snake bites occur during acts of bravado when someone is intent on killing or catching a snake.

On average one or two people die in Australia from snake bite each year which is lower than fatalities from bee stings.
Some snakes produce live young while others, including the pythons, are oviparous (egg laying). The female python coils around the eggs to help incubate and protect them and the young snakes fend for themselves as soon as they are hatched.
Snakes eat a variety of food, but frogs, small lizards and mammals are often chosen. Many snakes are nocturnal and rarely seen, unlike the completely harmless and common Tree Snake which is diurnal. Some, like the Death Adder, flutter the tip of their tail to lure prey.

Most snakes are only too happy to move out of the way during a close encounter with Homo sapiens, but it is still a good idea to look where you tread when bushwalking and to wear thick shoes and socks.
Contrary to popular belief, a snake’s body is not slimy, but is quite dry to the touch; snakes are surely the most misunderstood and fascinating of all creatures!

Those interested in joining the Herpetological Society of Qld. to learn more about this wonderful subject, contact Trish on 5445 0116.