They are not able to digest food when temperatures are low and would actually die if they ate in cold weather. Of the 110 species of snakes in Australia, only 28 are potentially dangerous to humans. It is therefore wise to leave any snake well alone, as most snake bites occur during acts of bravado when someone is intent on killing or catching a snake. On average one or two people die in Australia from snake bite each year which is lower than fatalities from bee stings. The female python coils around the eggs to help incubate and protect them and the young snakes fend for themselves as soon as they are hatched.
Snakes eat a variety of food, but frogs, small lizards and mammals are often chosen.
Many snakes are nocturnal and rarely seen, unlike the completely harmless and common Tree Snake which is diurnal. Some, like the Death Adder, flutter the tip of their tail to lure prey. Most snakes are only too happy to move out of the way during a close encounter with Homo sapiens, but it is still a good idea to look where you tread when bushwalking and to wear thick shoes and socks. Those interested in joining the Herpetological Society of Qld. to learn more about this wonderful subject, contact Trish on 5445 0116.