News

Snakes, Spiders Swarm To Escape Australian Floods

SYDNEY, March 23 – As Australians endured widespread flooding in the country’s east on Tuesday, local wildlife were also being forced from their dwellings to escape the rising waters.

Perhaps most unnervingly were reports of swarms of spiders, seeking refuge on raised trees, fences, and in homes across the Mid North Coast of the state of New South Wales (NSW).

Social media posts showed swarms of thousands of spiders fleeing flood waters which had forced them from their usual hiding places.

Professional snake catcher Stuart Johnson from Reptile Solutions in Port Macquarie  told Xinhua that the dramatic rise in water levels had likely prompted all sorts of wildlife out of hiding.

“I’ve had a few calls for snakes that have found their way up on verandas and into sheds and things like that in properties that have been affected just sort of seeking refuge,” Johnson said.

Australia’s mid-north coast has just over 20 species of snakes, many of which are venomous including the notorious brown snake and red-bellied black snake. However, a good number of the snakes seen during the floods posed no risk to humans and were simply looking to curl up out of sight and wait for conditions to improve.

Despite being trained and equipped to handle snakes, Johnson said that with floodwaters blocking roads and cutting off properties he had been forced to consult remotely based on photos of the reptiles.

In most cases his advice is to steer clear of the snake, block its access to the rest of the property, and wait for it to move on.

Johnson warned that when residents begin the job of cleaning up and shifting debris, they may encounter snakes and other wildlife either trapped or seeking refuge within.

“In these unique situations those animals are quite likely to be distressed, injured and that can potentially increase the chances of them acting defensively where a bite or a sting can occur,” Johnson said.

Source: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Stranger Things Returns This November And the Upside Down Is Bringing New Secrets With It

Hey creepaholics, the nightmare society is calling for backup!  November is coming to turn your… Read More

2 days ago

HABIB x Zoo Negara Unveil Limited-Edition Gold Wafers Celebrating Malaysia’s Wildlife Heritage

Calling for gold keepers! On October 24, HABIB will launch its exclusive Limited Edition HABIB… Read More

2 days ago

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury… Read More

2 days ago

Beneath the Armor: Men’s Hidden Battle With Mental Health

Beneath the Armor: Men's Hidden Battle With Mental Health “Therapy? No, I don’t need therapy,… Read More

3 days ago

Carolina Herrera Dares the Good Girl to Move in Audacity!

A touch of elegance, a scent of confidence. Carolina Herrera and Swarovski will bring light… Read More

3 days ago

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun… Read More

3 days ago

This website uses cookies.