Following our story about Tilly, the miniature English staffordshire bull terrier which was ‘attacked’ by a brown snake, some residents have asked if the MidCoast Council could erect warning signs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tilly and her owner, Gary Hodkinson were walking along the Forster breakwall earlier this week when the Eastern Brown came out of the rocks and wrapped itself around the dog’s neck.
Readers posted their request on Facebook asking for warning sings to be erected at both the Forster and Tuncurry breakwalls and other areas frequented by the reptile
Some fear it is only a matter of time before tragedy strikes.
Councils should put be aware of snakes signs up to keep people alert, Jason Joughin wrote on Facebook.
“My kids always play on the rocks. Not anymore.”
Jason asked if someone has to die before action is taken.
“I’m a painter maybe I should knock one up.”
Facebook friends have posted their experiences and commented on Tilly and Gary’s frightening encounter.
A friend lost her dog to snake bite south of Sydney. I've seen brown snakes on the various sand tracks to the beach on Seven Mile ...... time to be very vigilant! Glad Tilly is OK, Roberta Pearce wrote.
From Arlan Pepper: “There's plenty of rats live in the breakwalls – they'll try to pinch your bait.
“That’s why the snakes are there is my unprofessional guess.”
Aaron Healy said Boomerang Beach lookout was known to have a population of brown snakes.
“Always careful when I walk my dog this time of year,” he said.
Krista Melbourne: “The weather is warming up and they will be eating and starting to breed again.
“That’s a good size brown though.”
Greg Wright wrote: “Growing up in Green Point there were red and brown snakes everywhere. We still ran in the bush year round. Never had a problem, even nearly stepped on one's head, literally, when I ran past. I stopped with my foot right in front of it, no shoes and the large red belly didn't react at all. Lucky maybe, but really you're not snake food. Let them eat the rats everyone hates.”
Suzanna Zozanna replied saying that red bellies have a very different temperament to browns.
Despite his frightening experience, Gary Hodgkinson urged not to harm any snakes and warned walkers to be vigilant, but at the same time enjoy the magnificent view.
“Everyone is aware they are here, we just need to be a bit more attentive.
“Thanks again for your support...on behalf of Miss Tilly.”
Laurel Goulding-Hart wrote: “We walk the breakwall every time we visit (next trip in four weeks). Had never even thought about snakes. Will definitely be aware when we're there.”
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
