Dispelling fear of snakes

Bushland surrounding North Parmelia Primary School spurred environmental group Green Skills to organise a snake awareness day for students recently.

Picture: Student Diane Hughes and reptile safety awareness trainer Vanessa Paget hold South West carpet python Cuddles.

The workshop aimed to increase awareness and appreciation of the reptiles living in the surrounding bushland, and to foster an understanding of the importance of bushland conservation in protecting native wildlife and habitats, Green Skills project manager Donna Canci said.

‘‘Children are the bushcarers of tomorrow, andwesee this interactive learning experience as a step towards environmental stewardship in the future,’’ she said.

Reptile safety awareness trainer Vanessa Paget told students snakes needed to be understood, so they were not feared.

She said it was important to be in control of your emotions when you see a snake.

‘‘Know that the snake is allowing you to see it, as its sense of smell is so acute that it knows you are there and that as you don’t smell like a rat or a frog you aren’t on the menu,’’ MsPaget said.

‘‘Knowing that we have a bigger brain, we have to take control of the situation by staying calm, which allows the animal to stay calm, and thenwecan back away slowly.’’

Teacher Janine Watts was pleased the children were gaining a better understanding of snakes.

‘‘Ms Paget is very knowledgeable and she separates myth from fact in awareness of snakes,’’ she said.

Student Diane Hughes was lucky enough to hold South West carpet python Cuddles.

‘‘I was scared of snakes until I met Cuddles,’’ Diane said.

MsPaget said increased knowledge and experience of snakes was beneficial for everyone.

‘‘Knowledge dispels fear,’’ she said.