NSW snake bites prompt warning

Paramedics have issued a warning after 28 people were bitten by snakes across NSW in October.

A python in Sydney

Paramedics have issued a warning after 28 people were bitten by snakes across NSW in October. (AAP) Source: AAP

Almost 30 people have been bitten by snakes across NSW in the past month, prompting a warning from paramedics.

Some of the 28 victims include an 85-year-old woman bitten by a brown snake in the Riverina and a seven-year-old by a tiger snake near Canberra.

"Paramedics attend many cases where people have put on boots and gloves and been bitten by spiders and even snakes which were hidden inside," NSW Ambulance Inspector John Brotherhood said on Tuesday.

In the 12 months to August, more than 700 incidents involving snakes and spiders were reported, with one-in-seven occurring in Hunter region.

"Around the home, remove piled up debris from the yard and keep lawns mowed to reduce the potential for unexpected visitors," Insp Brotherhood said.

Snakes are particularly active during spring, but snake experts said most people were bitten only while trying to catch or kill them.

SNAKE AND SPIDER BITES IN OCTOBER:

* 85-year-old woman bitten on finger by a brown snake in the Riverina region

* Boy, 7, bitten by tiger snake near Canberra

* Man, 72, bitten by brown snake in Sydney's southwest

* 14-year-old boy bitten by brown snake near Newcastle

* Man, 50, bitten by snake in Cunnawarra National Park near Coffs Harbour

* Woman, 44, bitten by funnel web spider at Heathcote, south of Sydney

* Woman, 32, bitten by snake near Newcastle.


 

 


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2 min read
Published 2 November 2016 11:03am
Updated 4 November 2016 12:14pm
Source: AAP


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