Snake sightings at Laverton have led to a 1.5-metre tiger snake being removed from the front yard of a Maher Road home.
The snake was bagged last Thursday, but resident Andre Smith said he had first seen it in his garden two days earlier.
“I’m not sure how long it’s been there, but I saw him Tuesday when I came home from work,” he said. “Wednesday was a cold day. Thursday was nice and sunny and the rocks in my garden were warm. So he’s come out of his hidey-hole. It was in my front yard hiding under my garden bed.”
Mr Smith arranged for a snake catcher to relocate his surprise guest.
Another woman found a baby tiger snake in her backyard, which backs onto RAAF Williams Base. The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she feared especially for children and pets.
Hobsons Bay chief executive Chris Eddy urged people to keep away from snakes and keep dogs on a leash in long-grass areas.
“If residents do see a snake, we advise them to stay well away and ensure children and pets also keep their distance,” he said. “In areas of long vegetation, keep dogs on a lead to avoid the likelihood of them getting bitten. If you encounter a snake on your property or in a situation that could be dangerous, contact council on 99321000 and we will arrange to have it removed and released into a conservation reserve.”
Snakes are protected under the Wild- life Act, making it illegal to catch or harm them.
