27 Sep Something to think about out on the course
With warmer conditions now upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the increased potential activity of snakes around the golf course. Could I please ask members to take extreme care in penalty areas when searching for their, or other’s golf balls.
It was just the other day that I was having a conversation with member Lee Hamilton, a well-educated man, who provided some very interesting facts to me which I felt are very pertinent, considering we are approaching the summer months. Lee’s facts relate to Red Bellied Black Snakes (RBBS) and Lee has listed them in point form below –
* Breeding season sees snakes become more active.
* Breeding season is spring – mid-summer. During this time males will move up to 1200 metres in a day looking for Mrs RBBS!!
* A dangerously venomous species with strong haemotoxic and cytotoxic venom
* Live in well-watered areas. Can in-fact spend up to 23 minutes under water They will keep quiet in the bush rather than attack – tread with caution in shrubby areas
* Will strike and bite when confronted or cornered* If bitten, seek IMMEDIATE first aide and medical treatment* Voracious eaters….like devouring food like frogs, tadpoles & lizards. They do eat toads but with fatal consequences to the snake.
If you would like to learn more about RBBS, Lee has also provided the attached link for your convenience. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/reptiles/red-bellied-black-snake
Regards
Club Captain
Maroochy River Golf Club