If recent wet weather has prevented you plonking piles of leaf litter and sticks into the green bin, watch out - there could be a snake hiding there.

Eurobodalla WIRES members warn reptiles are on the move as the weather heats up, as this photograph of a python found at Tomakin shows.

“Snakes,lizards and turtles are becoming more active seeking shelter, food and a mate,” a WIRES spokeswoman said.

“That pile of leaf litter is very inviting for a snake to seek shelter.

“If you are lucky enough to have a harmless python in your shed, you won’t have any problems with rats or mice. Left alone, they won’t cause any problems and will move off when the food source depletes.”

Red-belly black snakes are also common. WIRES just helped nine volunteers refresh their venomous snake handling skills and nine recruits get started.

“Red-bellies are often seeking shelter in our gardens and around ponds and dams,” the spokeswoman said.

“All animals need shelter and food. Ponds and dams attract all sorts of prey animals for snakes.

“The snake will eat its fill, sun-bake to aid digestion, then move off.”

WIRES has a strong warning for anyone seeing a snake: “If you find a snake in your garden, assume it is venomous, regardless of its size.”

“Do not approach the snake,” WIRES warns.

“Take children and pets inside. Never try and catch or kill a snake. They are a protected native species and harming them is illegal. The majority of people bitten by snakes are because they have tried to harm it.

“WIRES snake handlers are always available for advice or removal. When our experienced handlers are asked to remove the snake, it has often moved on its own accord by the time they arrive. Snakes are not territorial. Giving the snake a good blast with water from a safe distance by an adult is often all that is needed for it to realise it is not welcome.”

“A reminder that all Wires members are volunteers, usually with family and, at this time of year, numerous other animal commitments, but we always try and get to a (rescue) location quickly if we are able to,” a spokeswoman said.

“Not every snake needs rescuing or relocating.

“If you would like to make a donation to the local WIRES branch please do so online at

https://www.wires.org.au/donate/now and to ensure your money helps the local animals and

volunteers, please specify its for the Mid South Coast branch.