Snakes about!

Warm, humid weather has motivated black snakes to be active around the course.

Today one was seen slivering across the 10th tee.

Not sure if it hung around but players should be mindful on the entire course.

Given a snakes preferred habitat is near water there is no way I would enter the roped off area in front of the 16th green for instance.

Some information

“This species is usually associated with a moist habitat, primarily streams, swamps and lagoons. They also inhabit disturbed areas and rural properties, and are often encountered around drainage canals and farm dams. The snakes shelter in thick grass clumps, logs, mammal burrows and dreys, and under large rocks. Individual snakes appear to maintain a number of preferred shelter sites within their home range.

Red-bellied Black Snakes feed on a variety of vertebrates including fish, tadpoles, frogs, lizards, snakes (including its own species) and mammals.

Red-bellied Black Snakes are one of the most frequently encountered snakes on the east coast of Australia, and are responsible for a number of bites every year. They are a shy snake and will generally only deliver a serious bite under severe molestation. When approached in the wild a Red-bellied Black Snake will often freeze to avoid detection, and people may unknowingly get quite close before registering the snake’s presence. If approached too closely the snake will usually try to flee towards the nearest retreat, which if located behind the observer may give the impression the snake is launching an attack. If unable to escape the snake will rear up with its head and forebody held off but parallel to the ground, spread its neck and hiss loudly, and may even make mock strikes with a closed mouth.”

Reference

Ehmann, H. (1992) “Encyclopedia of Australian Animals : Reptiles”, Australian Museum, Angus & Robertson

WATCH OUT!!

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