TIS the season for snakes to sunbathe and where better than on the Mid North Coast's glorious beaches?
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Some beach-goers at Rainbow Beach in Bonny Hills have said the sighting of a seven-foot brown snake has people heading for the hills while others have spotted a slippery serpent making camp under the lifeguard tower.
While the beautiful surroundings are a joy for families, sunbathers and swimmers there is a real concern that one of the animals could cause some problems.
President of the Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club Peter Smith said some reports of the snakes seemed less-than-likely but the fact is, the creatures do live in the beach surrounds.
"Obviously they live in the areas around the beach and the surf club," he said.
"As a club we have sort the assistance of National Parks, however the time between sighting them and getting someone there means the snakes has normally disappeared by the time they get there.
"It is certainly the time of the year where they come out.
"You can't just get rid of all of the snakes.
"It's up to people to be cautious and aware of the dangers."
Those dangers prompted a forum to be held by the club last year which included a talk by a doctor and a representative from Parks and Wildlife NSW.
"We often put out a warning sign on the deck to be aware of snakes being sighted, but I am unaware of any snakes in the buildings," Mr Smith said.
"If a snake comes into the building we have a process in place where we will isolate the snake and call Parks to have it removed.
"We do make announcements over the PA if there is a sighting, but there's no problem as far as I'm concerned."
Emma Wood and her children often frequent the beach and were present this past weekend when the snake was said to be sighted during a surfing competition.
"We didn't see the snake but I was warned to stay away from a picnic table because it had been seen," Mrs Wood said.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's community and economic growth director Tricia Bulic said council has contacted FAWNA regarding what is believed to be a brown snake at Rainbow Beach, however the snake expert who investigated the sighting was unsuccessful in locating the snake.
"There have been several sightings in recent weeks, and in previous seasons, and our beaches often provide the perfect habitat for snakes," she explained.
"Council will continue to monitor snake movements across the Port Macquarie-Hasting region and Council lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers have signage that is displayed in areas where there have been sightings.
"Should a snake be sighted, the community are encouraged to exercise caution, stay well away and contact FAWNA on 6581 4141 who have trained experts to deal with such situations".
