A recent snake bite near Port Stephens has renewed warnings for residents across the Hunter and Mid North Coast to remain cautious.
A man in his 30s was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital on Tuesday 5 May, after being bitten northeast of Port Stephens.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance around 9am, with paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team treating the man before he was transported to hospital.
The incident highlights snake activity in the region, with experts warning snakes aren’t slowing down as they typically would be heading into winter.
Local snake catcher Bronte, who operates Newcastle Snake Control, said snakes do not technically hibernate, but instead enter a state known as brumation.
“Snakes don’t go into hibernation-like mammals do, they go into brumation,” she said.
“They are still active all year round, just not as active because their metabolism slows down and they are not warming up in the sun as much.”
She said warmer-than-usual conditions can significantly influence snake behaviour, increasing movement and feeding activity.
“When it’s warm, their metabolism is still working because they’re heating up,” she said.
“Think of it like a power bank – the more energy they have, the faster they can move and process food.”
“But when it’s cooler, everything slows down.
“As it warms up, we will still see snakes being active and moving around, but they will also be looking for places to shelter between periods of activity.”
Bronte said she continues to receive multiple call-outs each day across Newcastle and surrounding regions.
“I’m still getting around five calls a day,” she said.
“Sometimes that’s just advice, sometimes it’s snakes inside homes looking for warmth and shelter.”
She said many encounters occur when snakes enter residential spaces while searching for food, water and protection from changing weather conditions.
“Right now it’s not breeding season, so they’re focused on food, water and shelter,” she said.
“A lot of bites happen when people try to handle a snake themselves instead of calling a professional.”
She also emphasised that handling snakes without a licence is illegal and strongly discouraged.
Despite common perceptions, Bronte said snakes are not more aggressive at this time of year.
“The snakes are the same all year round,” she said.
“If you give them space, they have no reason to be defensive.
“It’s how we interact with them that matters.”
She added that defensive behaviour is usually linked to sudden encounters or accidental disturbances.
Experts are urging bushwalkers and residents in snake-prone areas to carry a charged mobile phone and a pressure bandage, which are critical in the event of a bite.
“If someone is bitten, they need to treat it as a venomous snake unless they can identify otherwise,” Bronte said.
“Call an ambulance immediately and stay as still as possible to slow the spread of venom.”
She said early response is critical, reinforcing the role of emergency services such as Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in rapid transport to specialist care.
Authorities continue to remind the public that snake sightings are common across warmer months and into autumn.
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