Latest news with #snakes
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Snakes, spiders and mould confront residents after NSW floods
By Emma Siossian , ABC News Flooded residents have returned home to find snakes and spiders in their homes. Photo: Supplied / ABC News Mud and mould are not the only issues facing those returning to their homes after major flooding on the New South Wales Mid North Coast. Clybucca resident Julie Botfield was evacuated by boat with two of her children and their dogs during the height of the flooding in late May. She said she was shocked by what she discovered at the rural property when she returned to inspect it a week and a half later. "The snakes and spiders were an issue in me getting back in there," Botfield said. "There were 30 snakes down in the shed alone … I wasn't expecting that many. It was really scary, my heart was racing the entire time, and it made the clean up so much harder as I didn't want to be bitten by a snake." Botfield, a single mother, was assisted by Brenden Kendall, who lives near Kempsey and helps people needing snakes relocated. "I saw a few baby snakes up and down the driveway just walking up to the property, some were still hiding in the shed," Kendall said. "Once we got up to the shed, we ended up with a total of 30 snakes caught. "There was a mixture of red-bellied black snakes, brown snakes … a whole mix of different ones … I've never seen that many like that." Botfield, who rents the property, said she also had it treated for pests as the walls were covered in spiders. "My house is a cream colour and when we evacuated it was brown on all sides, with the spiders covering the walls," she said. "I had a pest man come [after the flood] … he said it was the worst property he has ever treated." NSW Reconstruction Authority Recovery coordinator Dave Owens said it was not uncommon for animals to take refuge in uninhabited properties after floods. "The animals are looking for somewhere safe and obviously residents are vacated," he said. "So, when people go back in, it's not just the floodwater and mud on the ground, it's snakes, it's spiders, it's other creatures, so you need to be careful." Spiders covered the walls of Julie Botfield's home at Clybucca as the floodwater rose. Photo: Supplied / ABC News Botfield said the time it took before she was able to return and access the property meant that mould had also spread. "The house was sitting in the water for quite some time, so now the mould has gone through the house, so it's just a big clean-up effort," she said. "The storms and rain keep coming." Owens said mould was a significant issue after a flood, and airing out impacted homes as soon as possible was vital. "Open all doors and windows to let in fresh air and sunlight … reduce humidity by limiting humidifiers, indoor plants and unflued gas heaters," Owens said. "To clean mould off surfaces, use detergent or diluted vinegar, four parts vinegar to one part water. "For stubborn mould, you can use a diluted bleach solution but never mix vinegar and bleach." A household cleaning expert has also recommended oil of cloves for cleaning mould . North Coast Public Health Unit's environmental health officer David Basso said mould spores could cause health problems for people who were sensitive or allergic to them. "If you are cleaning mould, wear protective clothing, rubber gloves and a mask, and ensure that you are trying to get as much ventilation as possible through your home," he said. "The health effects from mould exposure can be a runny or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin and difficulty breathing, particularly [in] people with asthma." He said removing mould would be more challenging during winter. "When we have adverse weather, it's difficult to maintain that proper airflow through your home," he said. Julie Botfield and two of her children evacuated their home on a friend's boat during the floods. Photo: Supplied / ABC News Owens said about 700 residential properties across the region were still deemed uninhabitable and the focus was on getting displaced families back home. "It could be as simple as they've had water over the floor, and we need to get a sparkie [electrician] in to check it's safe and then they can move back in," he said. "We have about 150 households in emergency accommodation. A lot of people have gone to family and friends, couch surfing is a term that's been used." Botfield is currently staying with family and said she was prepared for a long road ahead. "I've had Disaster Relief Australia out to help and they have been great … they even found another two snakes," she said. "I want to show my kids we are strong and resilient, we've got this." - ABC News
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Are snakes more active after rain? Why Central Texas may have more sightings this weekend
It's not just the rain. While it may seem like snakes suddenly appear during and after wet weather, the connection isn't as ssssimple as 'rain equals more snakes.' In Central Texas, more sightings are possible this weekend following several rounds of severe storms, but rain itself isn't the main reason for that. May is already an active month for cold-blooded creatures, as many reptiles emerge from winter brumation — a hibernation-like state — to begin mating. But the recent rain could have some influence this weekend. Remember, you're more likely to get bitten while attempting to kill a snake than if you simply leave it alone. In fact, you're five times as likely to die from a lightning strike as from a venomous snake bite — lightning strikes result in an average of 28 deaths annually, while venomous snake bites cause about five deaths, despite there being 7,000 to 8,000 bites each year. What to do for a venomous snake bite: Texas is home to 4 venomous snake species It's a common belief that snakes come out more after rain, but there's no clear-cut pattern — different species have varied habitats and prefer different conditions. The Raleigh News & Observer explored this topic after a significant spring downpour a few years ago, focusing on copperheads and their post-rain behavior. They are one of four venomous species in Texas. Jeff Beane, herpetology collection manager at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, told the Observer in 2022 that copperheads adjust their activity based on the weather. In hot conditions, they tend to be nocturnal, active at night; in cooler weather, they shift to being diurnal, active during the day. So if copperhead sightings spike, it may simply be because they're active when people are more likely to notice them. Beane also noted that copperheads often emerge when temperatures rise following a stretch of cooler weather. 'A warm, sunny day after a long period of unseasonably cool, rainy weather might bring them out during the day because it could be their first chance to bask in the sun in a while,' Beane said. 'A relatively cool, sunny, or partly cloudy day is a good time to see a copperhead basking in an area exposed — or partially exposed — to the sun.' For other snake species, the answer is similarly nuanced. Sightings may increase after rain, not because the weather directly draws them out, but because flooding forces them to leave their dens or shelters in search of higher, drier ground. Sometimes, this means ending up near — or even inside — homes. At the same time, food sources like toads, frogs and other amphibians become more active in wet conditions, giving snakes more reason to move around. The days immediately following a storm can also bring a spike in sightings because snakes are eager to bask in the sun after cooler, damp weather. Some may also be mid-shed — and lingering moisture on damp grass and leaves helps to soften old skin and make it easier to slough off — while the humid environment helps reptiles stay hydrated. This reflects a broader trend in which reptiles exhibit increased activity during wet years compared to dry years. According to the San Diego Zoo, during dry weather and drought, reptiles 'often become inactive, staying deep underground where it is cool and moist.' This behavior not only helps snakes regulate their body temperature and maintain hydration, but it also coincides with many small mammals and other prey staying hidden underground during droughts, often causing their populations to decline. As a result, snakes remain underground to conserve both energy and water until conditions improve, since food is not guaranteed. 'In years of heavier rains, snakes are often more active than in dry years, staying closer to the surface where they can easily find food and mates while maintaining their water balance,' the San Diego Zoo notes. So, it's likely that snake sightings will increase over the next few days, especially in areas recently hit by heavy rain. But regardless of the storms, sightings tend to rise naturally at this time of year. Although there are more than 100 snake species and subspecies in Texas, there are only four groups of venomous snakes. If you can safely identify them, you have a better chance of avoiding bites. Copperheads have light-colored bodies with reddish-brown circular bands. They tend to live in rocky areas and wooded bottomlands that have ample moisture. They grow to be about 2 feet long, and their bites don't normally kill humans because of their short fangs and minimal venom. There are three subspecies of copperheads in Texas, and their patterns vary. Coral snakes have red, yellow and black rings around their bodies. They grow to about 2½ feet and live in woodlands and canyons. Their bites deliver one of the most lethal types of venom in North America. However, their behavior is typically more elusive, and unlike pit vipers, they will often retreat from any signs of danger rather than confront any potential threats. Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins because they tend to live in swamps, lakes and rivers, are usually dark brown, olive green or black, with wide, dark bands along their bodies. They grow to about 3½ feet long. If threatened, cottonmouths will display white tissue inside their mouths, from which they get their name. Rattlesnakes come in various forms. The most common throughout the state is the western diamondback rattlesnake, which has a brown body with dark brown, diamond-shaped markings down the middle of its back and black and white alternating rings near its rattles. They grow to about 4 feet in length, but they can reach 7 feet. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Are Texas snakes more active after storms? More sightings are possible
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
5 most snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware. What you need to know before going out
If you head to Rehoboth Beach and walk into the Atlantic Ocean, you know there's something in the water. From sharks to jellyfish, you know you're entering their house and proceed cautiously. But what about Delaware's lakes? No, there aren't any sharks, but other nightmare fuel is lingering in the water. Delaware's lakes and ponds have snakes floating and slithering in the water. While the danger level might not be as high as Florida's, it's still something to watch out for. Here's a look at the five most snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware, according to The pond, located in Lums Pond State Park, has numerous varieties of snakes. However, the inlets and small islands are perfect for northern water snakes to bask in the sun. The snakes thrive on fish and amphibians and benefit from the surrounding forest and wetlands. Nightmare fuel in First State: Delaware is home to dangerous animals. Here's a look at 9 of them Trap Pond, located in Trap Pond State Park, is noted for its cypress swamp. The bald cypress trees and the tree's root structure provide a great hiding place and basking spot for eastern garter snakes and northern water snakes. Located in Dover, Silver Lake is lined with trees and vegetation, making it a great place for snakes. The northern water snake is seen here, but eastern kingsnakes are also occasionally seen in the wooded areas of the lake. Garrison Lake is a popular spot in Kent County for fishing and boating. The marshy areas and dense vegetation are perfect habitats for northern water snakes, eastern garter snakes, and eastern rat snakes. The wetlands are attractive to snakes due to the abundance of prey and the availability of cover. Red Mills Pond, located near Lewes, has a rich biodiversity supporting numerous amphibians and small mammals, which attract snakes. Among the snakes you may see in and around the pond are the northern water snake, eastern ribbon snake and eastern ribbon snake. The above snakes are nonvenomous. However, you will still want to use caution around them. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Snake-infested lakes, ponds in Delaware
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Spring heat brings North Texas snakes out of hibernation; wildlife experts warn of increased encounters
Warmer weather in North Texas means more encounters with snakes, which means companies like Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control are busy. "Definitely this time of year, you got to really keep your eye out, they're coming out of hibernation, therefore they're extremely hungry and they're on the move," said Randall Kennedy, the owner of Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control. "Anywhere you're storing brush, having brush piles, you don't want to let it sit too long, because the snakes, they can get under here." Kennedy said during the spring and summer, they receive about 3-4 snake calls per day. Although not all snakes they encounter are venomous, some can be. Last week, he was called out to a home in Colleyville. "He went into the landscape area after a football and he either stepped or way got too close to the little copperhead and it got him on the foot," Kennedy said. North Texas is home to three species of pit vipers, including copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. Last year, Cook Children's Medical Center saw 30 snake bite incidents. This year so far, the hospital has already responded to two incidents, and the number is likely to go up. "So, we typically see at least a few a month throughout the spring and throughout the summer, most of these are pretty mild bites. Some of them are obviously more severe, requiring antivenom," said Dr. Taylor Louden, with Cook Children's Emergency Department. Louden said, if bitten by a snake, you should not touch the snake, do not apply ice, do not attempt to drain the wound or suck out the venom, but you should try to immobilize the affected area and keep it below your heart. "Unfortunately, we have had a few deaths from snake bites, especially if the venom enters a large artery or blood vessel and can spread systemically and cause respiratory issues," Louden said. "It can cause neurologic issues, and so we worry that if you delay care that it could progress." As temperatures rise, Kennedy said it's important to be mindful of your landscape and avoid high grassy and rocky areas. "Definitely going into areas like this, try not to, try to wear some really thick boots, thick socks, if you got to clean areas like this up," he said. "Just be mindful. Think if you were a snake, where would you like to hide, where would you like to hang out, and then try to eliminate those areas in the yard."
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I sat in my basement for 18 years injecting myself with snake venom. This is why I did it - and why everyone should thank me
There's not a moment's hesitation, let alone fear, as Tim Friede strides into his basement office and proceeds to let two of the world's most venomous snakes sink their fangs into him. In a jaw-dropping two-minute video posted online, he walks over to a box sitting on the floor and pulls out a 10ft-long black mamba.
