Tiger snake seeks shade at city hotel

WRONG PLACE: An unbanded tiger snake was discovered at the rear of the Federal Hotel on Sunday with South East snake catcher David Miles called in to safely remove the reptile from the area before later releasing it back into the wild.

WRONG PLACE: An unbanded tiger snake was discovered at the rear of the Federal Hotel on Sunday with South East snake catcher David Miles called in to safely remove the reptile from the area before later releasing it back into the wild.

SPECIALIST help was called upon to handle one slippery customer at a Mount Gambier hotel on Sunday when a tiger snake was discovered in the car park.

The unbanded specimen had sought shade at the rear of the Federal Hotel after it is believed it hitched a ride into the central business district on a vehicle.

South East snake catcher David Miles was called to the scene, where he caught the snake without incident, before later releasing it into the wild.

Mr Miles’ capture of the highly venomous snake comes just a few shorts months since he issued a warning through The Border Watch to the public as spring signalled the awakening of several species.

With forecast temperatures in the mid to high 20s and low 30s this week, it is now the peak period for snakes to be on the move in the wild, which could trigger more sightings in residential or commercial properties.

Snakes are not the only wild animal finding their way into the city, with a wallaby causing havoc for traffic early Monday morning as it bounded across Wehl Street North, where it was hit by a passing vehicle before taking refuge in Vansittart Park, where residents came to its aid.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant for all forms of wildlife during the warmer months as animals seek food and water and should contact the necessary authorities in the event of an incident.