As Australia deals with an unprecedented heatwave, an unexpected result has emerged: snake season has begun ahead of schedule. Because of the searing temperatures that have swept the continent, the country’s distinct and often dangerous reptile population is stirring earlier than usual.
Warming global temperatures are difficult in many ways for humans, but they are great for one sort of animal: venomous snakes. As the east coast of Australia has one of its warmest winters on record, snake season appears to have begun early.
The Australian Reptile Park has issued an “urgent warning” to stay alert for dangerous snakes. According to the Australian Reptile Park, the temperature rises, and winter rainfall creates the ideal climate for venomous snakes to become more active.
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- Climate Extremes: Record High Temperature Kicks Off Snake Season In Australia
- A Connection To Climate Change
- Wildlife Concerns
- Effects On Snake Behaviour
Climate Extremes: Record High Temperature Kicks Off Snake Season In Australia
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Snakes “brumate” during the winter, a state akin to hibernation in which they become less active and frequently seek a spot to hide until temperatures rise again. Normally, this does not occur until September.
According to the Australian Reptile Park, the heat is luring snakes to emerge earlier than usual, and snake catchers have reported a considerable spike in callouts – a phenomenon rarely seen at this time of year.
“It is critical that all Australians understand that [snakes] do not seek to harm people.” Snake bites are most common when people try to catch or kill the snake; therefore, you have a better chance of surviving if you don’t do either!” The park’s operations manager, Billy Collett, issued a statement.
However, he advised people to learn how to cope with snake bites, which can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes. These include calming bite victims, removing jewellery and watches, and bandaging the entire limb rather than just the bitten spot.
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He also advised residents to maintain their backyards free of firewood stacks and other objects that can provide an ideal home for snakes. Australia’s winters have been progressively warming as the world continues to use planet-warming fossil fuels and global temperatures rise.
According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, last month was the fourth warmest July on record for New South Wales. Temperatures were roughly 1.2 degrees Celsius above average for this time of year across the country.
Rising temperatures harm the UK’s snake population, notably pet snakes, after the country’s hottest June this year. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reported that more snakes in captivity escape from their enclosures as the environment warms.
What Is The Snake Season In Australia?
In Australia, snake season normally spans the warmer months, primarily from spring to summer and into early autumn. The exact timing varies according to geography and local climate, but it runs from September through April.
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Snakes become more active during these months as temperatures rise, and they are more frequently observed in various habitats, including bushland, grasslands, forests, and even urban areas.
Small mammals and reptiles, for example, are in their breeding season and looking for food during this time. Residents and visitors to Australia should exercise caution when exploring outdoor areas during snake season, as some of the continent’s snake species are venomous and can endanger human health if provoked or threatened.
Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and being aware of your surroundings can help limit the likelihood of snake encounters and potential snakebites.
A Connection To Climate Change
The early start of snake season is yet another sharp reminder of the effects of climate change, as per reports. In recent years, Australia has experienced more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events, which can affect natural ecosystems and wildlife behaviour.
As global temperatures rise, the effects on animals and human interactions with them are anticipated to become increasingly pronounced.
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Wildlife Concerns
The early onset of snake season raises several risks for wildlife and human populations. Snakes will be more active, increasing the likelihood of human-snake interactions. This increases the risk of snakebites, which can be fatal and necessitate rapid medical attention. Wildlife may also suffer due to the early presence of these reptiles disrupting their behaviour patterns.
Effects On Snake Behaviour
Snakes are ectothermic, which means their surroundings control their body temperature. When temperatures rise, they become more active and rely on external heat sources to regulate their metabolism. Snake season in Australia often begins in the spring when temperatures rise. However, this year’s extremely early and severe heat has caused snakes to emerge from hibernation earlier than expected.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn