BRISBANE TIMES (Australia) 08 January 09 Australia Zoo handler bitten by snake (Melissa Singer)
A snake bite incident at Australia Zoo yesterday has highlighted the need for Queenslanders to take preacutions during the traditional snake season.
It is understood a 26-year-old reptile handler at the popular Sunshine Coast tourist attraction was taken to Nambour Hospital in a serious condition after receiving a bite from a brown snake yesterday afternoon.
Australia Zoo is expected to release more details about the handler's condition later this morning.
Two other people were bitten on the Sunshine Coast yesterday, highlighting the higher than normal snake activity at the moment.
Brisbane snake catcher Geoff Jacobs said residents could take several precautions to safeguard themselves against a snake bite:
* Always disturb a garden bed before putting your hands in it;
* Wear thick gloves and long pants wherever possible when gardening;
* Clean up leftover pet food, which can attract rodents and, therefore, snakes; and
* Shake boxes in storerooms and garages before putting your hands in - you should hear the snake moving about.
If you find a snake, do not try to catch it, as this is what results in the majoriry of snake bites, Mr Jacobs said.
With the current storm patters, Mr Jacobs said snakes tend to seek out safe hiding places during the rain and are at their most active three days after a storm, when fine conditions return.
For information on snake catchers in your area and a full list of precautions, visit http://www.snakecatcher.com. If you are bitten by a snake, apply first-aid and call triple-0 for an ambulance.
Australia Zoo handler bitten by snake