THE slithering creatures that evoke fear in so many people have shown their fangs already this summer.
On Wednesday, a coastal taipan was hissing at people at Alexandra Headland, a three-year-old boy was bitten by a snake at Tinbeerwah and a whipsnake scared residents in a Caloundra back yard.
Emergency services were called to an address six kilometres west of Tewantin at 5.10pm where they treated the toddler, who had a puncture wound behind one knee
He was taken to hospital.
At Alexandra Headland, Ian Masterman, from Attic Cafe, said he believed a coastal taipan was hit by a car and became quite aggressive.
He said young kids on skateboards were heading straight for the “vicious five-foot snake” and did not even see it.
“It was going crazy and we were worried for the walkers and people going past,” Mr Masterman said.
“Nobody knew what to do, the police were not interested, the Alex surf club rang council, who didn’t want to know, and we got a message at Australia Zoo.
“It was rearing up in the air and could have had a go at someone.
“It’s a timely reminder to look out for snakes at this time of year.”
Queensland Ambulance Service’s north coast acting assistant commissioner Craig Emery warned Queensland residents to be alert as the state was home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes including the red-bellied black, the eastern brown and the common death adder.
“When it comes to snake bites, prevention is always better than cure,” he said.
“Simple precautions people can take to avoid being bitten include avoid walking through long grass, but if you have to, wear sturdy enclosed shoes and long pants; carry a good-quality compression bandage with you; never try to catch or kill a snake; when camping, ensure the campsite is well lit at night; and take care when moving timber or iron sheeting and other outdoor materials.
“If a snake bite does occur, the best course of action is to assume the snake is venomous and call Triple 0 immediately.”
Basic first aid steps:
Avoid washing the wound as snake venom at the wound site can be tested at the hospital and may be able to identify the type of snake, which will aid in treatment.
If only one bandage is available, start over the bite site and then work up the limb. If more bandages are available, bandage over the bite site, and then with a second bandage start at the extremities (fingers or toes) and work up the limb. Bandage the limb firmly as you would for a sprained ankle.
Splint the limb to keep it straight.
Do not allow the victim to move around.
SNAKE CATCHERS
Beerwah: Kurt Ison 0437 937 505; David Jolly 5492 7377/0422 263 040.
Hinterland: Clive Hunt 5446 9224.
Glasshouse: David Ryan 0409 266 028.
Maleny: Peter Morningstar 0417 616 208.
Maroochydore: Matthew Jolly 0411 899 852.
Nambour: Joel Keady 0406 869 715.
Noosa: John Keady 5485 1353/0404 076 711; Mark Norman 0408 726 524.
Sunshine Coast region: William Pledger 0414 075 314.