Sad detail in incredible snake photo shows 'illegal' act Aussies are warned against
An eye-opening photo showing a red-bellied black snake entangled in netting has highlighted why laying traps for native animals can be "incredibly cruel" and even illegal, experts say.
The picture, taken overnight in Narellan in Sydney, shows the reptile with netting piercing its mouth and head, which left it with severe cuts and swelling.
"This poor red bellied black snake was caught in some horrible netting material left down on the ground to catch [it], safe to say it's done what the people wanted, but look at the damage this stuff causes," Reptile Relocation Sydney wrote online.
The wildlife group said many snakes are already "stressing and fighting" at this time of year, trying to navigate seasonal changes and habitat loss, conditions that have been exacerbated by the unpredictable recent weather.
Snake handler Cory, from Reptile Relocation, told Yahoo News this particular incident was caused by an unlicensed individual who unlawfully "sets netting placements down for people" and he warned against "trying to trap animals" in this way.
"The snake is still alive and will be going to get checked over by a vet. It'll most likely need some antibiotics and some time in care to deal with the damage to its scales — but it may need to be euthanised," he lamented.
Cory said the trap deployed was an "old type of bird netting" commonly used to protect fruit trees from birds, but it "also entangles many more animals". "There's much better stuff available now so the animals don't get trapped," he said.
Instead he encouraged Aussies, if they're worried about snakes, to give an experienced handler a call. "They will be able to give you advice or put you onto the best person for the job," he said.
As the warmer weather wraps up and temperatures drop, snakes begin preparing for brumation (a hibernation-like state). Experts warn they may be more active in search of food to build up energy reserves or looking for suitable shelter, increasing their chances of encountering humans or pets.
Sudden warm days followed by cold snaps can confuse snakes, like what Sydneysiders have recently experienced, disrupting their normal behaviour and movement patterns.
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As prey animals like frogs, lizards and rodents become less active in cooler weather, snakes may find it harder to hunt, leading to increased movement and potential encounters.
Netting, especially loose or fine-mesh garden netting, is especially cruel for snakes because it often leads to slow and painful deaths. Snakes, when moving through or over netting, easily get their heads, bodies, and scales caught. As they struggle to free themselves, the netting tightens, cutting off circulation and causing stress, injury, or suffocation.
The fine strands of netting can dig into a snake's soft body as it attempts to escape. This can result in deep wounds, severed tails, or even the loss of entire body sections. Many snakes die from infections or blood loss even if they manage to escape. Trapped in netting, snakes may be left for hours or even days before being found. During this time, they experience dehydration, exhaustion and exposure to predators, which can attack and even eat them while they are still alive.
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