137 replies to this topic

[EverReadyBunny]

You have got to be joking.

I saw  heaps of snakes on GNW race day even in the night. No idea what type of snake but very small and black. I saw from about Cedar Creek brushhead through to Somersby. Saw probably about 5 and no they were not leeches

[djbleakman]

Ponkey, on 12 October 2011 - 10:26 AM, said:

And Dan, stop being a wuss, you are going to be well into the night when you get to that section so won't see anything. Can promise you won't  hear or feel something though!

Speak for yourself Cam... I intend to be quite a few kms further down the track by the time 'well into the night' comes along...

[LongDistancePictures]

Paul Every, on 11 October 2011 - 09:10 PM, said:

Overall it is a small risk, especially when compared to the dangers of cars.

I'd take so much more comfort from that if there were any cars on my trails.


Cheers from Snakey Town, capital of Snakeland, here on the continent of Oh, Another Snake.

[wadaye]

DoggieDoctor, on 05 May 2011 - 09:47 AM, said:

Eastern browns and Taipans can be a bit aggressive. Any snake if cornered. Generally they are not wanting to be near you.

Just a few points to remember, snakes can't hear so they get more of a surprise than you. It can be quite funny to sneak up on them.

Brown coloured snakes are often not Eastern Browns. I see a lot of keelbacks in SE Qld and they can be difficult to differentiate in a nanosecond. Very good snake to have as they eat cane toads and can survive. Completely harmless (unless you are a frog or a small cane toad). King Browns are black snakes.

Whip snakes and other similar species have venom but fangs are generally not able to do any damage except to children.

Any snake shedding will strilke as they can't see. This includes those beautiful carpet pythons (Great photo BT!)

80% (of Qlders) bitten by Eastern Brown snakes were trying to kill them at the time. That would fit in with the 85% being drunk I assume.

In Qld, fine of up to $30 000 for killing a snake (protected).

Anyone know if it's illegal to kill snakes in NSW? There's quite a snake hating attitude in this state also.

[Paul Every]

wadaye, on 17 October 2011 - 07:44 PM, said:

Anyone know if it's illegal to kill snakes in NSW? There's quite a snake hating attitude in this state also.

It is similar in most states, though Tasmanian legistlation may still differ.

All snakes are legally protected in NSW, under the same laws which cover other native species.

There is, however, an exclusion that states it is permissible to kill a snake if it is considered a threat to life or property, so in reality I suspect most cases would not be prosecuted. I would think anyone brought before a magistrate would argue "...but your honour, I am sure it was about to strike me / my child / my dog and I had no instant way of telling whether it was a harmless species."

[Paul Every]

DoggieDoctor, on 05 May 2011 - 09:47 AM, said:

King Browns are black snakes.

Whip snakes and other similar species have venom but fangs are generally not able to do any damage except to children.

Clarification on a couple of those points, DD.

King Browns (commonly known as Mulga Snakes in some areas) are a brown-coloured snake of the Black Snake genus Pseudechis and closely related to Red-bellied Black and Spotted Black Snakes. I know that is what you were referring to, but your statement may be misleading to the casual reader.

Whip Snakes are not considered of lesser danger due to fang length, but rather due to a comparatively lower venom toxicity. That's certainly the case with the Yellow-faced Whip Snake which is common around where you live and over most of Australia, though the Black and Olive Whip Snakes of the tropics pack more of a punch.

Eastern Browns have one of the shortest fangs relative to their size, yet they are responsible for the majority of the snakebite fatalities in Australia, and even a bite from a hatchling should be considered as life threatening and of major medical concern.

Yes, fang length can be significant in deterring a bite (a pair of jeans may prevent a Brown Snake bite from being effective), but if envenomation does occur, fang length is irrelevant.

[trailpuddin]

Thanks for the info Paul, I always find you comments insightful and interesting.

Had a wonderful experience with a tiger snake on the weekend.  It was on the GNW not long after the water storage at Somersby.  It had come onto the trail to drink water from the small stream running down the centre of the track.  Amazing to watch it drink. Eventually gave it gentle tail tickle with a long stick to get it to move on.  It really wasn't keen on going anywhere.  Don't blame it - it was a nice day!

[Ponkey]

trailpuddin, on 18 October 2011 - 10:51 AM, said:

Thanks for the info Paul, I always find you comments insightful and interesting.

Had a wonderful experience with a tiger snake on the weekend.  It was on the GNW not long after the water storage at Somersby.  It had come onto the trail to drink water from the small stream running down the centre of the track.  Amazing to watch it drink. Eventually gave it gentle tail tickle with a long stick to get it to move on.  It really wasn't keen on going anywhere.  Don't blame it - it was a nice day!

Thats another spot you have to watch out for DJB or will you be so far ahead that you miss them all ?

[djbleakman]

Ponkey, on 18 October 2011 - 12:47 PM, said:

Thats another spot you have to watch out for DJB or will you be so far ahead that you miss them all ?

Nah, we'll be holding hands together Marcus... saw a few snakes on the trails at GOW this weekend. A tiny little baby brown was poo'ing itself more than I was as my big size 12's nearly landed on it's body. Then I saw a rather large black looking thing move away into the bush as I went past... no killer koala's this year however.

[Max72]

Funny I just saw this post.

Running Maitland Bay track in Boudi National Park today (as I do at least once week) with a friend visiting from Japan.

I saw something move just beside the trail, and as I focused a brown snake shot forward, coming straight at me!! I jumped about 1.5 m in the air, and my friend was luckily 10m behind and stopped. We carried on, a little shaken, and 5 min later on the bushes beside the decking just before Putty beach we came across a (beautiful) python of some kind with bright yellow markings. Pretty big too.

Anyway, we finished the out and back at the top of Maitland Bay track, and on the way back saw a big blue tongue and an echidna. Quite a run!

[Gone2thepack]

Have to admit, that Tiger snakes were my least favourite, but after having to pick up a Death Adder, that became top of the list for me.
Never seen anything strike so quickly.
Placid one minute... unfriendly the next.
Luckily i run in the cool of the mornings mostly here and see very few snakes.
On the otherside of the coin, had a Monkey try and take my Gels the other day....Never seen a snake do that yet

[Ultramouse]

Dunno about snakes, but those metallic blue freshwater crays on the Border Track at Lamington give me the willies.

[undercover brother]

ultramouse, on 19 October 2011 - 09:57 PM, said:

Dunno about snakes, but those metallic blue freshwater crays on the Border Track at Lamington give me the willies.

oh they're cool.
they sort of remind me of the little critters from the original alien movie.

[Gone2thepack]

ultramouse, on 19 October 2011 - 09:57 PM, said:

Dunno about snakes, but those metallic blue freshwater crays on the Border Track at Lamington give me the willies.

They are great little things..... nearly had a trout swim into my camelback bladder last year
on an emergency resup. Locked away into memory incase couldn't find my way back out and had to eat something

[triharddental]

backofthepacker, on 02 May 2011 - 02:32 PM, said:

I came in very close contact with a red bellied black snake in the quarry rd trail near dural (nsw).
It happened when my mate backed off and walked up a hill while I continued jogging slowly. I was scanning the trail (not particularly for snakes though) and may have turned around to talk to my mate and not checked the ground for a few mins - until my mate shouted out and told me there was a snake!! (within few inches of my legs)
Fortunately I didn't step on it and it decided not to chase me..
We hung around for a while and tried throwing rocks and small branches to get it off the road but didnt have much luck. Despite our warning, a couple of MTB riders decided to casually rode past the snake. Fortunately, the snake decided to continue its Sunday morning stroll into the bush and we continued our rest of the run in somewhat of a fear!

What should I know about snakes (and other dangerous animals?) and trail running..
anyone else had similar experiences? how did you deal with it? did the mtb riders do the right thing by simply riding past the snake and ignoring it?
any tips to minimise seeing them or getting bitten?

Hi Backpacker,

You discribe a fairly common event, that occurs in Australia at this time of year coming into summer. Especially when you're off the beaten track. Smakes are timid unless threatened.So being noisy is the best thing, but not normal when running on your own or a small group. Best to avoid long grass.Try to run a track or trail where you can see well ahead. Be attentive. Last time I nearly ran on one was in a park in the middle of Brisbane!

Take care.

[adr1an]

I like trail running, but can't deal with my fear of snakes yet. Yesterday I ran on some very narrow track along the Lane Cove River and I was certain I was about the come around the corner to find a snake at any minute. So many of those water dragons rushing off the sides of the trail did nothing to allay my fears either.

Do you think you can hear the differences between a lizards 'scuttling' and a snakes movement in the bush? I felt like I could hear different noises, but then I was hugely paranoid.

I did end up seeing the tail of something black slide of the edge of the trail which stopped me immediately.

Too much for this wuss of a man!

[Unlikelyrunner]

So what do you do if you are on a single path track on a ridge/cliff when a snake is doing a bit of sunbaking?  Its these situations where you cannot easily go around the snake, and you certainly wouldnt try going over it.

Antagonising the snake to get it to move could cause the snake to get agitated and attack (and most snakes are faster than humans). Do you just stand far enough back and quietly wait for it to move along, as long as that may take?

[Thomas]

adr1an, on 20 October 2011 - 06:09 AM, said:

I like trail running, but can't deal with my fear of snakes yet. Yesterday I ran on some very narrow track along the Lane Cove River and I was certain I was about the come around the corner to find a snake at any minute. So many of those water dragons rushing off the sides of the trail did nothing to allay my fears either.

Adrian, I run that track a few times a week and often see red bellies up there. Saw the biggest one yet last week on the side of the track as I came around a corner. I was past it before I realised. Stopped had a good look and kept going. It was gone on the way back. They are incredible looking animals, always fascinate me. Don't think I'd be doing too much in long grass or deep leaf litter though.

Tell you what it always puts you on high alert. Saw an enchidna last night snuffling around.

[Martin Dugdale]

Since seeing a black snake in suburban Baulkham Hills last week I have done a bit of research and found that although black snakes are venomous they are not particularly dangerous to humans. with no  recorded deaths. so if you see one out on your run, try not to step on it and  it will not harm you.   Also there was an echidna out on Quarry rd last Saturday. first time Ive seen one there.

[Spud]

I too run regulary on the trails through Lane Cove Nat Park. Usually early morning along the river, see plenty of water dragons but never a snake. Sometimes there are so many water dragons out there I have trouble trying to avoid stepping on one. Amazing creatures.
Saw a python once on the trail just past Brown's Water Hole on the way to Thornleigh. Was stretched out across the full width of the trail, I stopped and just waited until it sauntered off.

[Paul Every]

djbleakman, on 18 October 2011 - 03:12 PM, said:

Nah, we'll be holding hands together Marcus... saw a few snakes on the trails at GOW this weekend. A tiny little baby brown was poo'ing itself more than I was as my big size 12's nearly landed on it's body.

It is so common for people to (mis)identify small brown-coloured snakes as juvenile Eastern or King Browns. In reality, most snakes we see are mature specimens.

Listening to the average Joe, you would think common (but smaller) species such as Yellow-faced Whip Snakes, White-lipped Snakes, Black-bellied Swamp Snakes or Keelbacks didn't exist.

Saw several deceased Dwarf Crowned Snakes on the trail to Heaton Gap in last year's GNW. Seems all the runners around me noticed "baby Browns".

[Paul Every]

Unlikelyrunner, on 20 October 2011 - 07:43 AM, said:

So what do you do if you are on a single path track on a ridge/cliff when a snake is doing a bit of sunbaking?  Its these situations where you cannot easily go around the snake, and you certainly wouldnt try going over it.

Antagonising the snake to get it to move could cause the snake to get agitated and attack (and most snakes are faster than humans). Do you just stand far enough back and quietly wait for it to move along, as long as that may take?

Most snakes will move away fairly promptly when they are aware of the presence of human looming over them. Step back and let them have access to their favoured escape route.

Death Adders are an obvious, though rarely encountered, exception, as was mentioned in earlier posts. I would just skirt around them. (Actually, if it was a trail with a reasonable amount of traffic, I would probably move it off trail for it's own safety, though I wouldn't recommend anyone else try that.)

[Paul Every]

Martin Dugdale, on 20 October 2011 - 08:08 AM, said:

Since seeing a black snake in suburban Baulkham Hills last week I have done a bit of research and found that although black snakes are venomous they are not particularly dangerous to humans. with no  recorded deaths. so if you see one out on your run, try not to step on it and  it will not harm you.  

Yes Martin, they are definitely a snake with an undeserved reputation. I think their defensive posture, (head raised, neck flattened), can look quite intimidating on a large snake and perhaps that has lead to stories of supposed aggression and danger. Though thankfully, I think public perception is catching up with reality.

A healthy adult is very unlikely to die from a Red-belly bite, though a bite would warrant seeking medical attention and would be considered life threatening for a child or the elderly.

Having said that, RBBS are generally quite docile and disinclined to bite. They only really 'arc up' defensively if they are seriously harassed, with little opportunity to retreat.

[SlowManiac]

I think I have also seen quite a few Dwarf Crown snakes - Paul are they nocturnal? Most times I have seem them at night.

Someone sent me a picture of a supposed 6 meter Black Mamba the other day! I am sure the size was exaggerated but still - probably 4 meters of lethal snake, that would be a sight!

[Paul Every]

triharddental, on 20 October 2011 - 05:30 AM, said:

Smakes are timid unless threatened.So being noisy is the best thing....

Snakes don't have ears, so they are largely insensitive to air borne sounds.

I agree with you about the timidity though.

adr1an, on 20 October 2011 - 06:09 AM, said:

Do you think you can hear the differences between a lizards 'scuttling' and a snakes movement in the bush?

Often I can. Sometimes I think "That sounds like a snake", but I am never certain until I see it.

Lizards often do make more of a scuttling sound. Snakes seem to usually move with less disturbance through the leaf litter and a "smooth", uninterrupted noise.

On a similar note, there is a messy storage shed at work and there is a definite aroma of snake turd when I open the door. Really should do a spring clean, if only to confirm my suspicions.

[undercover brother]

Paul Every, on 20 October 2011 - 02:24 PM, said:

Often I can. Sometimes I think "That sounds like a snake", but I am never certain until I see it.
Lizards often do make more of a scuttling sound. Snakes seem to usually move with less disturbance through the leaf litter and a "smooth", uninterrupted noise.

ditto

[Paul Every]

SlowManiac, on 20 October 2011 - 02:20 PM, said:

I think I have also seen quite a few Dwarf Crown snakes - Paul are they nocturnal? Most times I have seem them at night.

Someone sent me a picture of a supposed 6 meter Black Mamba the other day! I am sure the size was exaggerated but still - probably 4 meters of lethal snake, that would be a sight!

Yes, Dwarf Crowns are nocturnal. Dark brown with a thin yellow band on the top of the head, extending across the nape. Usually about as thick as a pencil. Easily distinguished from a Black Mamba.  

Around Sydney's northern suburbs, Golden Crowns are much more common. Similarly nocturnal and dark brown, but slightly larger than the Dwarf Crowns. Golden Crowns also have a wider yellow band that does not meet at the nape, and a vibrant salmon-coloured belly. I have had many people mis-identify them as "baby Red-Bellies" after disturbing them under rocks while gardening or having the family cat bring them indoors.

Edited by Paul Every, 20 October 2011 - 03:04 PM.

[SlowManiac]

Yep those are the guys, cute little snake. I think they also have a bit of a defensive posture, head raised as if to strike, but not as threatening on a tiny little snake!

I just googled 'huge black mamba' at work, hope I don't get into trouble.

[SeeDanRun]

SlowManiac, on 20 October 2011 - 02:40 PM, said:

I just googled 'huge black mamba' at work, hope I don't get into trouble.

Do it, I'm sure you'll be fine. Just a tip: it's actually spelt 'member'.

[SlowManiac]

Ah - yep did the trick - thanks

[Paul Every]

SlowManiac, on 20 October 2011 - 02:40 PM, said:

Yep those are the guys, cute little snake. I think they also have a bit of a defensive posture, head raised as if to strike, but not as threatening on a tiny little snake!

It is a grand gesture but it's quite funny when they do strike. It is usually a closed-mouth head-butt.  

They are venomous, though considered harmless unless you are a garden skink.

[Beaver]

Paul, have you ever considered hosting a snake demonstration. What to do, what not to do, how to treat a bite etc?

[djbleakman]

Beaver, on 20 October 2011 - 03:53 PM, said:

Paul, have you ever considered hosting a snake demonstration. What to do, what not to do, how to treat a bite etc?

I think that's a very good idea. Thanks for correcting me Paul, as a 'green' Englishman, I'm not au fait with my snake species per se, and only go on the colour that I see. I demo from the man himself would be great.

[arrtgrrl]

Paul Every, on 20 October 2011 - 02:31 PM, said:

Yes, Dwarf Crowns are nocturnal. Dark brown with a thin yellow band on the top of the head, extending across the nape. Usually about as thick as a pencil. Easily distinguished from a Black Mamba.  

Around Sydney's northern suburbs, Golden Crowns are much more common. Similarly nocturnal and dark brown, but slightly larger than the Dwarf Crowns. Golden Crowns also have a wider yellow band that does not meet at the nape, and a vibrant salmon-coloured belly. I have had many people mis-identify them as "baby Red-Bellies" after disturbing them under rocks while gardening or having the family cat bring them indoors.

Thats really interesting Paul.. i think i saw a dwarf crown on a run out at wandandian last summer.. we thought it was  baby snake of some kind.. had never seen anything like it.. it was dead so we could get a good look.. when i read your description it sounded similar so i googled a photo.. and pretty sure thats what it was..

and yup i wont be assisting any death adders off the path anytime soon lol

Naomi

[Whippet Man]

Beaver, on 20 October 2011 - 03:53 PM, said:

Paul, have you ever considered hosting a snake demonstration. What to do, what not to do, how to treat a bite etc?

Beaver I have interviewed Paul for an article I am writing for the next edition of Trail Run Mag AUS/NZ that will hopefully answer some of your questions. I have also interviewed Dr Isbister from University of Newcastle who is an expert on clinical toxicology with a focus on poisoning and envenoming through snake bite. The article is aimed at trailrunners obviously. This would not replace a hands on from Paul but will answer a few common questions and shed a little light on the does and don'ts and general facts.

[arrtgrrl]

Whippet Man, on 20 October 2011 - 09:14 PM, said:

Beaver I have interviewed Paul for an article I am writing for the next edition of Trail Run Mag AUS/NZ that will hopefully answer some of your questions. I have also interviewed Dr Isbister from University of Newcastle who is an expert on clinical toxicology with a focus on poisoning and envenoming through snake bite. The article is aimed at trailrunners obviously. This would not replace a hands on from Paul but will answer a few common questions and shed a little light on the does and don'ts and general facts.

Thats fantastic! look forward to reading the article!

[LongDistancePictures]

Paul Every, on 20 October 2011 - 02:24 PM, said:

On a similar note, there is a messy storage shed at work and there is a definite aroma of snake turd when I open the door. Really should do a spring clean, if only to confirm my suspicions.

This may not seem like a serious question, but it's meant to be ... What does snake shit smell like? I could identify flying fox, human, cat, fox or dog by smell. Is it similar to any of those?

You should take "A Runner's Guide to Reptiles" on the road (so to speak). I'd buy a ticket to see that, for sure!

[Paul Every]

Beaver, on 20 October 2011 - 03:53 PM, said:

Paul, have you ever considered hosting a snake demonstration. What to do, what not to do, how to treat a bite etc?

I used to do them....including just down the road from your place for quite a few years.

Much more fun, entertaining and informative when you have an array of critters to play with. Unfortunately, I currently do not have that pleasure available.

LongDistancePictures, on 20 October 2011 - 09:44 PM, said:

This may not seem like a serious question, but it's meant to be ... What does snake shit smell like?

Processed mouse!

.....or rat, lizard, frog, etc, as the case may be.

It smells different to any mammal crap that I've encountered (and that has been a diverse spectrum), but I wouldn't know how to describe it.

Edited by Paul Every, 21 October 2011 - 10:01 AM.

[Thomas]

Spud, on 20 October 2011 - 08:25 AM, said:

I too run regulary on the trails through Lane Cove Nat Park. Usually early morning along the river, see plenty of water dragons but never a snake.

What is it with snakes and the Irish?

[otisr]

Snakes and the GNW go hand in hand.  Expect to see them now, i came across a few this morning on the section CP5 - Mooney, and then ran head on into a bearded dragon that would not move - even when i stopped and took a photo. Have always ran into them, the largesat was a red bellied black - very nice looking, but he moved off when i approached.  

But what about all the other animals, saw 3 x wild dogs last sunday near Brunkerville Gap, wild gaots along Georges rd, ....etc.

Their trail as much as mine, so i suppose we just put up with it.  Oh, and i always carry a bandage - just in case.

[Shahanga]

You certainly know your "Jo Blakes" Paul.

Can't say I'm an expert but I have spent a lot of time in the bush and from that I am always fascinated by the level of paranoia about snakes from my city bound friends.  This fear is inversely proportional to concerns about the very real dangers of travelling on the roads.

In all the years I've been in the bush I've only seen snakes on a handful of occasions.  Never at risk of being bitten- (though i'm glad i didn't stand on that one that slithered straight under my feet in papua New Guinea).  The worst one was the King Brown in my laundry in Kununurra - felt a little guilty chasing it off into the neighbours yard... (before i get accused of endangering children, no one was living there at the time)
My policy of live and let live is working pretty well and I would recommend to everyone else too.

[djbleakman]

Running along Walkers Ridge road today, just off the GNW, came across a Tiger snake that was unfortunately dead, probably run over by a car. Never seen one before, so a first for me today. Beautiful looking creature, shame it was dead though. Also saw a wild dog as well up there.

[Gone2thepack]

djbleakman, on 22 October 2011 - 02:08 PM, said:

Running along Walkers Ridge road today, just off the GNW, came across a Tiger snake that was unfortunately dead, probably run over by a car. Never seen one before, so a first for me today. Beautiful looking creature, shame it was dead though. Also saw a wild dog as well up there.

Its quite interesting, but a few months a go i was running in the Pilbarra on a track in the middle of a thunder and lightning storm at sunset, and came across what i thought  was a juvenile king brown doing a breakdance.
It was only about 40cm long and was trying to get over a graded section of the track away from me and the lightning.
Jumping and leaping it looked absolutely petrified.
Was interesting to watch.

Edited by Gone2thepack, 22 October 2011 - 03:19 PM.

[Apples53]

I usually see 10-12 per season here in Canberra, mostly near the river looking for food & water. Most are red belly blacks plus eastern browns but they blend in easily with the dry ground. Scared of them, but as long as I see them in plenty of time, just stop to admire & let them go. So far this 3 this season, all well over a metre. So still another 9 to go. must take care.

[vstaR]

Thanks for the info Paul. We found what I had assumed was a pencil-thin baby RBBS dead in my garage last weekend, thought to have been picked up in the tread of my front tyre the night before (when I moved the car out in the morning it was exactly where the tyre was). I was unsure about the yellow strip I could see around its head, but thought the pinkish colouring on its underside was that of an underdeveloped red belly.

Now, with your descriptions of other commonly mistaken snakes, and Google photos, I can see that it was a Golden Crown snake.

[Sir Runalot]

Saw what I believe to be a King Brown in Lane Cove NP yesterday. Was on the track that leads to Canoon Rd not a long way from the netball courts - if only all those netballers knew! I back tracked and waited for it to move on. Fortunately I was walking at the time, got to within two feet of the tail before realising what it was. Always weary, always have a bandage with me at this time of year when running in the heat of the day. Stay safe folks. SR

[Whippet gal]

I love trail running but am absolutely petrified of snakes. With 'snake season' upon us I've been sticking to the roads, but I miss the trails (the Oaks specifically).

I know what to do with a compression bandage if I was ever unlucky enough to get bitten, but one thing I've always wondered is what do you do if you're on your own? I know you're supposed to limit mobility, but does that still apply if you've got to go find help? Yes, a mobile would be good, but lots of trails don't get reception.

I think my (somewhat irrational) fear stems from being chased by a red belly when I was younger. Some friends and I were walking through the bush and all of a sudden it reared up in front of us. You've never seen a bunch of kids move so fast. Now if I see one I absolutely freak out.

[Gone2thepack]

Whippet gal, on 23 October 2011 - 10:21 PM, said:

I love trail running but am absolutely petrified of snakes. With 'snake season' upon us I've been sticking to the roads, but I miss the trails (the Oaks specifically).

I know what to do with a compression bandage if I was ever unlucky enough to get bitten, but one thing I've always wondered is what do you do if you're on your own? I know you're supposed to limit mobility, but does that still apply if you've got to go find help? Yes, a mobile would be good, but lots of trails don't get reception.

I think my (somewhat irrational) fear stems from being chased by a red belly when I was younger. Some friends and I were walking through the bush and all of a sudden it reared up in front of us. You've never seen a bunch of kids move so fast. Now if I see one I absolutely freak out.

Im hearing ya. Sometimes there is limited mobile reception available out there on the trails. With my ramping up the trail running i have opted to carry a Spot satellite tracking device such as Spot Device
You pay an annual subscription fee, but for that you can press the SOS button and its the same as activating an Epirb. Help will come running.
For an additional fee you can display your position for others to track and you can send help messages, or okay messages via text or email.
I also carry 2 compression bandages with me on my runs, but in the unlikely event of a snake bite, if you mobilise the area and sit tight  you have quite some time up your sleeve.
Have had limited snake training, but it was indicated to me that most people that go to hospital, do not actually recieve anti-venom. Usually a healthy person will process the venom in time.
Remember that we are many times larger that our little friends down there on ground level, sometimes they have to act defensively to try and bluff their way out. Its interesting when you have to handle them that the vast majority just want to get the hang out of there.
After some close calls as a kid growing up in the country, i still have dance a jig and crap myself when i get a suprise visit on the trails.
I'd rather be a trail runner than a surfer here in WA......

Cheers

Edited by Gone2thepack, 24 October 2011 - 01:06 AM.

[Kato]

I see a lot more carpet snakes than other types around here.  On the road up to The Gantry at Mount Mee I've seen one that stretched maybe twelve feet, entirely across the road.  A bus load of Japanese tourists on the other side of it also stopped and hopped out of their vehicle to admire the thing, it was trying to digest a lump the size of a rugby ball.  Eventually it moved off the road in its own sweet time.  I've seen several at Glasshouse and at Sheepstation Creek also.  I think they must be keeping the other species at bay as all other varieties together wouldn't add up to the number of sightings of carpet snakes.

Caboolture literally means "place of the carpet snake" in the local Aboriginal dialect.

[Paul Every]

vstaR, on 23 October 2011 - 08:37 AM, said:

Thanks for the info Paul. We found what I had assumed was a pencil-thin baby RBBS dead in my garage last weekend, thought to have been picked up in the tread of my front tyre the night before (when I moved the car out in the morning it was exactly where the tyre was). I was unsure about the yellow strip I could see around its head, but thought the pinkish colouring on its underside was that of an underdeveloped red belly.

Now, with your descriptions of other commonly mistaken snakes, and Google photos, I can see that it was a Golden Crown snake.

No probs.

Golden Crowns commonly wander into garages or laundries at night, prompting some residents to ask "I lived here for 10 years and never seen a snake, where did t come from?" The easy answer is usually from their garden, where they shelter under loose rocks or wood during the day and throughout winter.

Newly born Red Bellies have bright red scales fringing their stomach and are a glossy jet black. As with most species, their colouration is at its most vibrant as hatchlings or new borns. "Red Belly" is a bit of a misnomer actually, as the ventral (belly) scales are more pinky grey to creamish, with only the scales on the lower sides being red.

Sir Runalot, on 23 October 2011 - 06:51 PM, said:

Saw what I believe to be a King Brown in Lane Cove NP yesterday. Was on the track that leads to Canoon Rd not a long way from the netball courts - if only all those netballers knew!

One has to go west of the Dividing Range in NSW to find King Browns, also known as Mulga Snakes. They are actually in the Black Snake genus along with Red-Bellies and Spotted Black Snakes, rather than being closely related to Browns (Eastern, Western, Dugites, etc). This is significant with choice of anti venom.

You most probably saw an Eastern Brown or, if it was less than a metre, possibly an Yellow-faced Whip Snake.

Whippet gal, on 23 October 2011 - 10:21 PM, said:

I think my (somewhat irrational) fear stems from being chased by a red belly when I was younger. Some friends and I were walking through the bush and all of a sudden it reared up in front of us. You've never seen a bunch of kids move so fast. Now if I see one I absolutely freak out.

I tend to take stories of snakes chasing people with a grain of salt.

Snakes often "bolt" when confronted by humans, usually initially, but sometimes after standing their ground for a bit. Sometimes they flee in the direction of the human, presumably because they consider it as the best escape route. Maybe they know that direction affords the safety of a hole, a hollow log or, in the case of Red Bellies, a water body in which to submerge. Maybe they know they can slither faster downhill and it is just unfortunate that is where the humans are standing.

I have seen plenty of fleeing snakes slither straight past someone standing stock still. Yet to see someone being chased.

Gone2thepack, on 24 October 2011 - 01:04 AM, said:

Have had limited snake training, but it was indicated to me that most people that go to hospital, do not actually recieve anti-venom. Usually a healthy person will process the venom in time.

The major reasons for anti-venom not being administered following hospital admission doe to snake bite is due to the bite being from a non-venomous or mildly venomous species, or being a "dry" (venom withheld) bite from a dangerously venomous species.

If a healthy person has suffered a significant envenomation, there is no reason for antivenom not to be administered following the usual procedures. It is never a case of allowing the body to "process the venom" if someone has taken a decent hit.

Kato, on 24 October 2011 - 08:24 AM, said:

I see a lot more carpet snakes than other types around here.... I think they must be keeping the other species at bay as all other varieties together wouldn't add up to the number of sightings of carpet snakes.

Carpet Snakes are principly mammal feeders, (although lizards make up a larger part of their diet as hatchlings), so they are not going to have a significant impact on the numbers of other snakes in the area.

South-east Queensland is the "hot spot" for snake diversity in Australia, with over 30 species found in the region. Snakes are generally fairly secretive. Just because you are not seeing them, doesn't mean they are not out there.