Deadly snake warning for NSW as warmer weather approaches

NSW residents have been warned to be on alert for deadly reptiles lurking nearby with temperatures to climb over the weekend.

The Australian Reptile Park issued the warning on Friday, declaring there had been an increase in the number of snake sightings just days into spring.

Given millions of Australians in the east coast were in lockdown, many in regional areas often spent their weekends outdoors exercising, including bushwalking, the reptile park said.

And experts from the park fear the warm weather has created the perfect environment for snakes to begin emerging from hibernation.

About 3000 Australians will be bitten by a snake each year, with about 300 of those needing antivenom – a medicine given to treat snake bites.

Reptile keeper Jake Meney is urging Australians to brush up on their snake bite first aid skills.

“Snake bites mostly occur when people are trying to catch or kill the snake, so if you don’t do either of those things you should be OK,” he said.

“However, it is important to know the correct first aid technique so if the worst-case scenario occurs you are prepared.”

He said if a person was bitten by a snake they should remain calm, remove all jewellery and apply pressure to the bite site before bandaging the entire limb.

“By applying the pressure-immobilisation bandage, venom cannot easily spread through the body, slowing down the envenomation process by giving more time for the bite victim to seek antivenom at hospital” Mr Meney said, noting that a person should call an ambulance or immediately seek hospital care.

Experts say the warmer weather could also encourage snakes to venture in backyards. Mowing the lawn regularly and removing piles of wood or leaves could help deter them.

Depending on the species of venomous snake, a bite could destroy blood cells, cause blood clots or excessive bleeding and destroy tissue.

If not correctly treated, a victim could die within 30 minutes.