A teenage boy has survived a bite from what was believed to be a brown snake, which has the second most toxic snake venom in the world.
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Emergency crews rushed to a Trunkey Creek home on Tuesday afternoon, after receiving a Triple-0 call for help at around 1.15pm.
A spokesperson for Ambulance NSW said they received reports the teenage boy was bitten on the calf.
One crew responded and treated the patient who was breathing normally when crews arrived. They transported him to Bathurst Base Hospital where on Wednesday his condition was reported as stable.
With the weather warming up, the incident is a timely reminder for everyone to be vigilant. Spring is when snakes are most active in the region.
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Licensed snake catcher Jake Hansen said he has been receiving an average of three calls a day from people with a snake in their yard.
He said at this time of year, snake breeding season was underway and after being dormant for months, snakes are also seeking sun and food.
"Male snakes are looking for female snakes, and they will travel large distances."
Mr Hansen said during breeding season, the movement of male snakes also tends to be bolder.
"They will cross a backyard or a busy road, the allure of a female snake is pretty strong," he said.
He said calls for help have been pretty consistent in the past few weeks.
"On average I'm getting a couple of calls a day," he said,
Mr Hansen, who is based in Orange, said half the calls he received from Bathurst relate to eastern brown snakes and the other half for tiger snakes.
By comparison, in Orange the calls-outs are mainly eastern browns or highland copperhead snakes.
Either way, he said most snakes in our region were dangerous.
"Ninety-nine per cent of all species in Bathurst and Orange are highly venomous," he said.
Mr Hansen said his advice was if people see a snake, don't approach it. If necessary, contact a licensed snake catcher or National Parks for help in having the snake relocated to an area away from your home.
He said snakes only bite in defence.
"If it's in your backyard leave it alone," he said.
In Bathurst, call National Parks on 1300 072 757 to have a snake relocated.
