Bronzeback Cobra Viper Python MOST COMMON SNAKES ENCOUNTERED IN BSP CAMP AREA

Some Steps That Might Help To Control Snake Intruder 1.Trim grass well, prune dense foliage and undergrowth regularly. 2.Remove unwanted timber and pots, as these are favourite hiding places. 3.Keep branches and creepers clear of windows. Snakes may use them to get into the house. 4.Fill-in all burrows, holes and crevices in walls and the ground. They provide excellent hiding places for snakes. 5.Screen all ventilation openings and sewerage outlets with weather-resistant mesh or gratings. 6.Dispose of uneaten food properly, otherwise this may attract rats which in turn invite their predators, the snakes. 7.If an area is infested with rats, contact pest control (via HML/4) to exterminate them 8.Insects, amphibians and lizards may attract their predators, the tree snakes. It is advisable to fumigate your premises periodically if you are living near the jungle (e.g. G and H area). 9.Rearing of chickens, pigeons and other small animals may attract snakes. 10.Drain ponds regularly and keep them clean. The Reticulated Python is especially fond of water. Improperly kept ponds tend to harbour frogs and toads, which are preyed upon by many species of snake.

Be aware of snakes Out in the Field: Keep your eyes open in snake-infested areas, and look where you are stepping or sitting. Wear protective leather or rubber boots/shoes. Wear baggy trousers of reasonably thick material. Avoid tall grass, thick bushes and rocky places overgrown with weeds. Avoid walking in the dark when out in the field because many snakes are active at night. Use a torch if you have to do so. Be careful when you sleep on the ground. Your body warmth may attract a pit viper or a coral snake! Never step out at night barefooted, or without a torch. Don’t stick your hand or foot into holes in either rocks, trees or in the ground – there may snakes in these. Upon encountering a snake, DO NOT RUN. It is safer to keep perfectly still or back away slowly. The snake just needs room to move off, and will do so in most circumstances. Do not molest any snake. Provocation may lead to a snake biting. Do not tease others with a dead snake. It might not be dead enough! Freshly killed snakes collected for identification purposes must be carefully handled using a stick, or with gloves.

If being bitten by a snake Remain calm. Two out of 3 victims are injected with very little or no venom. In the latter case, no specific treatment is required. Venomous snakes use their venom to kill their prey. If molested, they bite in defence, and usually do not inject their venom.  Identify the snake if it is safe to do so. This is very important if the doctors are to give the right antidote. Injecting the wrong type of antivenin is not only useless, but may also endanger the victim’s life.  DO NOT attempt to cut or suck the wound. Apply a simple bandage and keep the bitten area lower than the level of the heart if possible. Go to the hospital, do not await the development of symptoms. If you are the victim and all alone, then walk slowly. Do not run for help.  The correct antivenin is the only treatment of proven value. Panaga Health Centre stocks antivenin of all commonly encountered snakes in Brunei, and doctors are capable of treating snakebites and cases of adverse serum reaction and shock.  Prompt medical treatment, reassurance and bed-rest are the keys to a full recovery.

What should you do if you encounter a snake Contact HML/4 standby number or page (make sure state your telephone number as to make return call) Constant monitoring on the snake as to see its direction until someone arrives to dispose or kill the snake Do not pester the snake as the snake will flee away instead of being caught Patience is required until someone arrives