THE ADVERTISER (Adelaide, Australia) 01 December 07 Drought draws snakes to Adelaide's suburbs (Jessica Hurt)
More of the venomous, aggressive brown snakes are being found in suburban gardens as the drought brings them in search of food and water.
Experts say housing development activity and weather are contributing to the above-average number of sightings this season.
Rudy Della-Flora, from AAA Snake Adelaide Catchers, said there had been "a few more than usual".
"This season is panning out like last season (which was bigger than previous years)," he said.
"It started a couple of weeks earlier than usual.
"The drought is bringing them in closer."
The season started about 2 1/2 months ago and lasts until February or March.
Veterinary centres have reported more cases of pets being bitten by snakes, with animal owners paying up to $1000 in treatment fees.
Bites to dogs and cats are common during snake season, with experts advising cat owners to keep their animals indoors or in outdoor enclosures until March.
Dr Nick West, from Family Pet Vet at McLaren Vale, said he treated three cats for snake bites in one morning this week. Two survived. "We have had quite a rush," Dr West said. Georgie Maddox's cat, Lucia, died on Thursday after it was bitten by a brown snake a day earlier.
Ms Maddox, 26, was woken on Wednesday night by her cat acting strangely. "Her claws where out, her eyes wide open with dilated pupils and she just slumped to the side, not moving," she said. "She lay on the ground, eyes still open, shallow breathing."
Snake experts have advised animal owners against "doggy doors". They can attract snakes into homes. Mr Della-Flora said: "We don't have a (record) of deaths of cats and dogs over the season but we know that lots do get bitten and die.
"Cats and dogs don't have a concept of danger, they just want to play and unfortunately snakes don't want to play."
Roger Atkinson, from Ace Snake Catchers, warned people against trying to kill snakes. "Every year people get bitten, some through stupidity and some in unfortunate situations," he said.
Drought draws snakes to Adelaide's suburbs