Keep an eye out for snakes on paths

If you regularly ride on mountain bike trails at this time of year, you will almost certainly have seen your share of snakes. Many species native to Western Australia are venomous, with some of them potentially lethal, particularly to young children or pets. Dugites and tiger snakes are the main concern in the metropolitan area and South-West region, with king browns and gwardars more of an issue further north. The good news is that all snakes want do is to get as far away from you and your bike as possible. Most bite incidents occur because the reptile has been cornered and stepped on, or someone has attempted to kill it. The WA Mountain Bike Association advises riders to stay on defined trails and avoid riding over thickly grassed areas where they can’t see the ground. The Association also recommends that a first aid kit be carried and its useful handbook includes details of the pressure-immobilisation technique for treating snakebite. Noticing a snake while out riding through the bush requires no action other than giving it a wide berth, but coming across one on a shared path is an entirely different matter.

Paths are usually located in urban areas and wandering snakes can pose a threat to nearby homes or businesses.

In addition, shared paths are frequented by people on gophers, out walking their dogs or riding with children.

If you see a snake on or near a path, don’t report it to Department for Planning and Infrastructure using the standard hazard procedures.

Instead, contact Wildcare’s special 24-hour helpline on 9474 9055 – an officer will provide immediate advice and, if necessary, refer you to a volunteer or commercial reptile remover.

In the case of an injured snake that presents a definite danger, you may be asked to stay and warn other path users until the expert arrives to remove it.

On mountain bike trails, watch out for snakes at all times, even during the cooler months.

They will often bask on sunny parts of the trail, and being sluggish due to the low temperatures, are easily ridden over.

This fact sheet is one of a series dealing with the use of bicycles for recreation and transport in Western Australia. The series looks at a range of cycling-related topics including ride routes, touring tips, maintenance, safety, road rules, insurance and product reviews. See more cycling fact sheets online.