THE Day by Day article regarding a brown snake in Summer Street, which was ultimately killed by men who deemed it “too dangerous” (CWD, November 22), deserves comment.
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It is illegal to kill any native snake in NSW as they are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
Despite this, their numbers are generally in decline due to habitat destruction, the introduction of feral species and the wanton killing by indiscriminate humans.
Furthermore, as anyone with any knowledge of snakes is aware, the vast majority of snake bites occur when someone is attempting to pick one up or kill it.
The safest thing to do when you see a snake is to stay away from it and let it go on its way.
They will generally only strike when provoked or if they feel threatened. If you think a snake is likely to become dangerous, the best thing to do is to call WIRES and arrange for a trained snake handler to safely relocate it.
The fact that an animal is potentially dangerous does not give us carte blanche to kill it.
Far more people are murdered or killed in road accidents each year than by snake bite, but these are dangers we accept without question.
Australia is fortunate to have some of the most unique and fascinating wildlife found anywhere in the world.
It is a shame so many people are incapable of living in harmony with it and just want to kill anything they perceive as a potential threat.
Louise Krieger,
Orange
