Warm and sunny conditions over the Grand Final long weekend have led to a surge in the number of dogs treated for snake bite at local vets.
Balmy temperatures over Friday, Saturday and Sunday brought dog owners out in high numbers, with many failing to heed warnings to keep their pets on leads as snakes emerge from hibernation.
The result was a jump in emergency visits to veterinary clinics across Geelong, the Surf Coast and Wyndham after curious dogs came into contact with the dangerous reptiles.
One dog parent told Geelong Broadcasters her vet was so busy she spent hours waiting anxiously before staff could see her beloved pooch.
Interactions between dogs and snakes were reported across the region, including several each at Newcomb’s Ervin Reserve and Wyndham Vale’s Presidents Park.
Geelong snake catcher Darren Keillar said he had relocated almost 130 snakes during September alone.
Lara, with 20 calls, was the month’s hotspot, followed by 11 at Highton and eight at Bannockburn.
While snake season started earlier this year due to a warmer than usual winter, it is now in full swing as the creatures move out of hiding in search of food.
Their venom is at its most toxic in spring, when they are also most likely to come into contact with humans and pets.
