Snake Bite Prevention at Berry Springs Farmstay
At Berry Springs Farmstay, the safety of both our animals and guests is our top priority. While the natural beauty of the Northern Territory surrounds us, it also means that snakes can sometimes be a part of farm life. We’ve experienced heartbreaking losses of pets due to snake encounters, including instances where snakes have bitten or killed animals that weren’t properly protected. These losses have reinforced the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure that both humans and animals remain safe.
What We’ve Lost:
Sadly, we’ve had several pets fall victim to snakes, whether through bites or attacks. These tragic incidents have underscored the need for strict safety measures to protect our animals and guests from the dangers posed by wildlife.
Rules for Animal Safety:
To ensure our animals are safe from snake harm, we’ve implemented these important guidelines:
Secure Animal Enclosures: All animals are required to be housed in secure, snake-proof enclosures. These enclosures are regularly inspected to ensure they are free from any possible entry points for snakes. Only animals within these secure areas are allowed out, and they must be supervised at all times.
Keep Enclosures Closed: Always make sure animal enclosures are securely closed, both to prevent escape and to keep snakes from entering.
Supervised Outdoor Time: When animals are outside their enclosures, they must be under constant supervision to avoid any snake encounters.
Regular Checks: We conduct frequent checks around the farm and animal enclosures to remove potential snake hazards, such as tall grass, debris, or clutter that could attract snakes.
Snake Bite Prevention for Humans:
For our guests, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay. Here are some important snake bite prevention tips:
Always Keep Doors Closed: Whether you’re entering the house or leaving, always ensure that doors are closed behind you to prevent snakes or other critters from entering.
Use Headlamps at Night: When walking around the farm at night, always use a headlamp or flashlight. Snakes are more active during the warmer months and at night, so proper lighting will help you spot any potential dangers.
Don’t Clutter: Avoid cluttering your room or areas around the house. Snakes often seek shelter in piles of items, such as clothes or shoes, so keeping your spaces tidy can help prevent them from finding a hiding spot.
Check Your Shoes: Always check inside your shoes or boots before putting them on. Snakes can seek shelter in shoes or any other items left on the ground.
Stay on Designated Paths: When exploring the property, stay on designated paths and avoid walking through tall grass or areas where snakes might hide.
Wear Sturdy Footwear: Always wear sturdy, enclosed footwear while walking around the property, particularly in the early mornings or evenings when snakes are more active.
Be Aware: Stay alert to your surroundings, especially in areas where snakes might be hiding. If you see a snake, back away slowly and report the sighting to the farm staff.
First Aid for Snake Bites:
In the unlikely event of a snake bite, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what to do:
- Call Emergency Services: Immediately dial 000 to request an ambulance.
- Stay Calm: Keep the bite victim as calm and still as possible to help slow the spread of venom.
- Apply Pressure: Use a bandage to apply pressure above the bite site to slow venom spread, but do not attempt to cut or suck out the venom.
Conclusion:
At Berry Springs Farmstay, we take every precaution to ensure the safety of both our animals and our guests. By keeping animal enclosures closed, using headlamps at night, avoiding clutter, and staying aware of your surroundings, we can all enjoy the beauty of the farm while minimizing the risk of snake encounters.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out. Stay safe and enjoy your stay!