THE Southern Tablelands branch of WIRES has been out in the community promoting the importance of what to do when sighting a snake.
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They have been working in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to go to childcare centres and pre-schools across Goulburn and surrounding areas to teach the kids what to do if they come across a snake.
Local educator and snake catcher, Byron Stein was on hand to carry out the education, and told the
Post
that most centres that he spoke to wanted to take a proactive approach towards the upcoming snake season.
“Most of the centres we contacted wanted to take a proactive approach to the upcoming snake season through education and awareness programs. WIRES also supports us in this education, and we are happy to be involved in the process,” he said.
“This is overall a ‘win-win’ situation, and raises awareness in the wider community at large.”
Mr Stein educated the kids on what to do when sighting a snake, and outlined the steps as follows: Three things to do if you see a snake are:
1. Stop;
2. Step back slowly;
3. Call mum or dad or the nearest responsible adult.
He also outlined three things you must never do when coming across a snake that has been caught.
1. Never put your hand in the snake bag;
2. Never touch the snake; and
3. Don’t ever throw anything at it.
Mr Stein outlined that the program was not designed to scare parents or kids, but to educate them in a safe and professional manner.
“The aim of this program is the education aspect of keeping children safe in their own environment,” he said.
“We are mainly teaching them to be aware of what is around them, and to act accordingly.
“The preschool is doing this as part of the Federal Government’s Early Years Learning Framework, which is aimed at kids from the ages of one to six in pre-schools, schools and the community at large across the country.”