Lear for Life - Snakeman Ron's - Bali's Nature Fun

Hello to all Bali Kids.com Readers!

My name is Ron Lilley, and I’m interested in snakes and other wildlife here in Bali. Some of you might already have met me when I visited your school with my snakes. I know many of you are interested in nature, and I look forward to be writing regularly for Bali Kids.com magazine, but I need your help! Please send me your questions about snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies, and I will try to answer them. I have been interested in snakes since I was a small boy, and have learned to deal with them safely. In this edition, I want to talk about snakes in Bali, and what to do if you see one. There are about 40 kinds of land snakes here, and most of them are not dangerous to humans. However, some snakes are poisonous, and you should be very careful if you see any of them. First, some general advice for when you see a snake.

1. DON’T PANIC! Most snakes here are harmless. They will probably just be passing through, and they will not bite you unless they are disturbed, frightened or hurt.
2. If a snake is killed, it can still bite long after it is dead. So do not pick it up even if you think it is dead!
3. ALWAYS TELL AN ADULT STRAIGHT AWAY IF YOU SEE A SNAKE!
4. Keep your eye on it and back away slowly. The snake is not likely to chase you!
5. If it disappears under furniture or other objects, DO NOT TRY TO LIFT ITEMS UP TO LOOK FOR IT! Sometimes snakes will bite, so - Don’t go putting your hands into dark corners or under objects where you cannot see the snake!
6. Dogs and cats will often make noises or act strangely if they see a snake, so pay attention to any barking, mewing or unusual behavior of your pets. They might be trying to tell you that there is a snake around!
7. It helps if you or someone else can take a photo of the snake so it can be identified. You can send you photos of snakes and other animals to me for identification. 
8. Snakes like dark dry places in which to hide. So always use a flashlight or torch if you go into the garden or other dark places at night. If you use your eyes and always look around you, you will see snakes and other animals before you accidentally step on them.
9. Always wear shoes, and walk only on clear paths or short grass where you can see a snake if one is there.
10. Some snakes live in bushes and trees. Make sure any vegetation that overhangs paths is cut well back, so you don’t accidentally brush overhanging branches with your face or hands!
11. Many Balinese people do not kill every snake on sight, but gently move them to somewhere where no one will get hurt. Ask them to help you if you see a snake!
12. Other people just kill snakes as soon as they see them. If a snake is killed, it can still bite long after it is dead. So do not pick it up even if you think it is dead!
13. If a snake is poisonous, it can still give a dangerous bite even if it is very small. Small venomous snakes can be just as dangerous as larger, adult snakes.
14. If someone is bitten by a snake, it is very important that they are taken to a hospital as quickly as possible! Make sure you know if the local hospital or clinic you usually go to can treat snakebite! If in doubt, ask them!
15. Even non-poisonous snakes can bite if threatened or hurt, so it is best to ALWAYS LEAVE THEM ALONE and TELL AN ADULT YOU HAVE SEEN ONE!
16. Remember, snakes are common in tropical countries. Once their natural habitat has been destroyed, they will try to find new homes. Snakes were here long before we were, so we need to respect them.  People and snakes can live together in peace and harmony, without anybody getting hurt!
17. The two most common poisonous snakes in Bali are the common spitting cobra, and the green pit viper.  In the next edition of BaliKids, I shall talk more about  snakes, where they live, what they look like, and what to do if you see one!