A pair of snakes spotted in what appeared to be a romantic interlude at Trevallyn Reserve on Sunday were, in fact, two male copperheads fighting for the privilege of meeting a waiting female close by.
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Mid-February through to the first week of April is breeding season for snakes, but Reptile Rescue’s Ian Norton said a common belief that snakes are more aggressive during breeding season is false.
“You’re more likely to encounter multiple [snakes], and you’re more likely to encounter snakes that won’t get out of your road,” Mr Norton said.
“[Male snakes] can’t multitask when they’re combatting or mating, so they become relatively indifferent to behaviour by us humans.”
Mr Norton said anyone spotting a pair of snakes engaged in combat or romance should take the opportunity to snap photos of the relatively rare sight from a safe distance.
He said any snake bite regardless of species should still be treated as serious with appropriate first aid and hospital attention.
