Snake sightings at popular outdoor spots such as Maroubra Beach have increased thanks to warm spring weather, but locals should not be alarmed, says Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey

“Stay calm and back away if you happen to see a snake. Don’t chase it, poke it or throw objects at it,” Mayor Shurey said. “Warm weather brings snakes out of hibernation so some may be slow to move, but if you give it space the snake will move away from you.”

Video and photos of snakes at Maroubra Beach, which is located next to the Malabar Headland National Park, have surfaced in recent days showing people deliberately antagonising snakes as they retreat to nearby bushland.

“It’s extremely disappointing to see these sorts of interactions and I want to remind people that this is not only unsafe, but a cruel and unnecessary practice. If you see a snake, it is likely to have seen you too. It will most likely retreat to nearby cover or lay still until you pass. There is no need to try to scare it away.”

Mayor Shurey also reminded people to keep pets and children well away. “Bites are unlikely to occur, but if they do people should not try to capture, kill or harm the snake involved and should call 000 instead.

“Council have put up signs wherever a snake has been reported, but by the time you see a sign, the snake has generally moved on.”

All snakes are protected in NSW and killing one is an offence. To locate a snake catcher in your area, contact Environment Line on 131 555.