I am not at all keen on snakes and lizards (extreme understatement). I have come across many of them in my lifetime, know general bush sense and do know that with a group of 12 or so walkers in the vicinity, the snakes will take off the in the opposite direction.
I am going on a walking tour in May; however it does seem that could be when the snakes are most active.
Has anyone seen any? Whether or not they are harmless has no bearing on my anxiety levels unfortunately.
Judy
Full Version: Snakes in the Spring?
Judy
Where are you going walking? I take it that it's Gallipoli given where you have posted this
Andy
Where are you going walking? I take it that it's Gallipoli given where you have posted this
Andy
We only saw a dead one! With usual precautions, it is doubtful you will see any.
Steve M
Steve M
QUOTE (Ice tiger @ Oct 29 2009, 05:07 PM) 
Judy
Where are you going walking? I take it that it's Gallipoli given where you have posted this
Andy
Where are you going walking? I take it that it's Gallipoli given where you have posted this
Andy
Yes, definitely Gallipoli Andy - should have put it in the post but thanks for mentioning it. Gallipoli is filling my head at the moment.
Judy
Judy
Have seen snakes at Helles on the Eastern side of Gully Ravine , at a couple
of places at Anzac and two 6-7 footers at the site of the Anafarta Guns at
Suvla but they have all been "people shy".
Peter
Judy
Hope to see you on the Peninsula in May , will be there for 11weeks
from early April.
Peter
Judy,
The answer is probably. I have been there seven times, usually in May or September, and sometimes I have returned disappointed that I did not see any snakes, or scorpions, or lizards etc. But console yourself with the fact that you will invariably come across tortoises. Stop one and say hello.
The answer is probably. I have been there seven times, usually in May or September, and sometimes I have returned disappointed that I did not see any snakes, or scorpions, or lizards etc. But console yourself with the fact that you will invariably come across tortoises. Stop one and say hello.
QUOTE (Kate Wills @ Oct 29 2009, 08:14 PM)
Judy,
The answer is probably. I have been there seven times, usually in May or September, and sometimes I have returned disappointed that I did not see any snakes, or scorpions, or lizards etc. But console yourself with the fact that you will invariably come across tortoises. Stop one and say hello.
The answer is probably. I have been there seven times, usually in May or September, and sometimes I have returned disappointed that I did not see any snakes, or scorpions, or lizards etc. But console yourself with the fact that you will invariably come across tortoises. Stop one and say hello.
Kate
I really do hope I see a tortoise - but snakes and big lizards (over 12 inches) - another story. I don't mind scorpions. Being in UK for four years now I have learned to relax when I hear a rustle in a bush - usually a squirrel. But I will most certainly get back to my "on guard" mode.
Judy
QUOTE (bluedog @ Oct 29 2009, 06:20 PM)
Judy
Hope to see you on the Peninsula in May , will be there for 11weeks
from early April.
Peter
Hope to see you on the Peninsula in May , will be there for 11weeks
from early April.
Peter
Peter
That would be great. Look for the walker with the biggest snake stick! (3-9 May)
Judy
Judy
I saw snakes and tortoises around the Anzac and Suvla areas in May last year. In fact I drove over a snake that was crawling across the road at Anzac; mind you it was about 8 feet long and I was doing about 50 mph and in no mood to avoid it.
Garth
I saw snakes and tortoises around the Anzac and Suvla areas in May last year. In fact I drove over a snake that was crawling across the road at Anzac; mind you it was about 8 feet long and I was doing about 50 mph and in no mood to avoid it.
Garth
the walker with the biggest snake stick
And good, high, boots.
Though I have seen snakes, both dead and alive on Gallipoli, I have never heard of anyone being bitten, and indeed, I have no idea how many, if any, are poisonous.
Local knowledge is needed here - you should contact Bill (Eceabat) or Eric (The Plummed Goose)
Have a great trip
Michael
And good, high, boots.
Though I have seen snakes, both dead and alive on Gallipoli, I have never heard of anyone being bitten, and indeed, I have no idea how many, if any, are poisonous.
Local knowledge is needed here - you should contact Bill (Eceabat) or Eric (The Plummed Goose)
Have a great trip
Michael
Judy,
I am of the same opinion as you. We need a snake like Custer needed another Indian at the Little Big Horn.
Best not to use a big stick. 90% of people who are bitten are those who try to kill the snake. The other 10% walk on them inadvertently. High boots, gaiters or leggings, walk heavily and go the other way when you see one. Most snakes will avoid humans.
Cheers
Chris
I am of the same opinion as you. We need a snake like Custer needed another Indian at the Little Big Horn.
Best not to use a big stick. 90% of people who are bitten are those who try to kill the snake. The other 10% walk on them inadvertently. High boots, gaiters or leggings, walk heavily and go the other way when you see one. Most snakes will avoid humans.
Cheers
Chris
QUOTE (Crunchy @ Oct 30 2009, 09:54 AM)
Judy,
I am of the same opinion as you. We need a snake like Custer needed another Indian at the Little Big Horn.
Best not to use a big stick. 90% of people who are bitten are those who try to kill the snake. The other 10% walk on them inadvertently. High boots, gaiters or leggings, walk heavily and go the other way when you see one. Most snakes will avoid humans.
Cheers
Chris
I am of the same opinion as you. We need a snake like Custer needed another Indian at the Little Big Horn.
Best not to use a big stick. 90% of people who are bitten are those who try to kill the snake. The other 10% walk on them inadvertently. High boots, gaiters or leggings, walk heavily and go the other way when you see one. Most snakes will avoid humans.
Cheers
Chris
Yes, Chris you're right - the stick is only for show (not that I really think they would be afraid of it!). I'll be taking a walking pole anyway and making a lot of "heavy treading noise" and looking where I'm going. I would never try to kill a snake - getting into big danger there. Back in Oz I couldn't even walk to my letter box or to the back shed without keeping alert. Nothing much has ever helped me get over it. A hundred redbacks would be much better company!
Cheers
Judy
QUOTE (michaeldr @ Oct 30 2009, 07:50 AM)
the walker with the biggest snake stick
And good, high, boots.
Though I have seen snakes, both dead and alive on Gallipoli, I have never heard of anyone being bitten, and indeed, I have no idea how many, if any, are poisonous.
Local knowledge is needed here - you should contact Bill (Eceabat) or Eric (The Plummed Goose)
Have a great trip
Michael
And good, high, boots.
Though I have seen snakes, both dead and alive on Gallipoli, I have never heard of anyone being bitten, and indeed, I have no idea how many, if any, are poisonous.
Local knowledge is needed here - you should contact Bill (Eceabat) or Eric (The Plummed Goose)
Have a great trip
Michael
Thanks Michael. I am really looking forward to it after my first trip about a month ago (when I didn't even know about the snakes!). Unfortunately for me even the harmless ones bring on the same sorts of feelings. Yes, high boots and looking out. I've been around them before but I just really, really don't like them.
Judy
You need a stick for the dogs 
Our Rep was attacked by three of em near Lancashire Landing. Luckily Mrs M gave chase and terrified the poor muts.
I do have a good recipe for snake, if it will help
Our Rep was attacked by three of em near Lancashire Landing. Luckily Mrs M gave chase and terrified the poor muts.
I do have a good recipe for snake, if it will help
Taste like chicken I am led to believe?
Judy – On two trips to the Peninsula in the Springtime I don’t recall seeing a single snake, given the terrain I don’t doubt they’re there, I guess they were giving us a very wide berth, snakes aren’t known to be particularly people friendly!
Many turtles and lizards around though but you’ve nothing to fear from them, cast a shadow across a sun-basking lizard and it’s gone quicker than you can blink…little blighters don’t even hang around for a photo!
Many turtles and lizards around though but you’ve nothing to fear from them, cast a shadow across a sun-basking lizard and it’s gone quicker than you can blink…little blighters don’t even hang around for a photo!
Bear in mind that the snakes are more frightened of you than you are of them - so they will usually retreat unless provoked or cornered. I've tended to see them basking on stone - the drainage gullies around some of the cemeteries are one place you may encounter them. I would not be surprised if you see one or two but any more than that in a week would, I think, be unlikely. They are not a danger unless provoked.
Many thanks to everyonel for your helpful and informative replies. It seems I may well see one or two - that's what I really wanted to find out. I was not looking forward to any replies such as "they are all waking up in the Spring and you are likely to encounter LOTS!" I know snakes are people shy but I still feel a bit of anxiety when in snake country). Now I know what the likely scenario is I know I'll manage it all fine and it has actually been really important for me to find out, so thank you again
Judy
Judy
Judy,
It perhaps says it all when I tell you that Kate was bemoaning to fellow party members about the locals having gone so far out of their way to dump a short length of black rubber tubing - it had to be explained to her that it would eventually move .........
Don't worry ... you'll be fine.
It perhaps says it all when I tell you that Kate was bemoaning to fellow party members about the locals having gone so far out of their way to dump a short length of black rubber tubing - it had to be explained to her that it would eventually move .........
Don't worry ... you'll be fine.
Wrong!!
I was walking near the beach when I saw what I thought was a length of dark tubing. "Grrrr"" I thought. "Who on earth would come to the back of beyond to dump washing machine spares!"
At which point said tubing slithered away.
I was walking near the beach when I saw what I thought was a length of dark tubing. "Grrrr"" I thought. "Who on earth would come to the back of beyond to dump washing machine spares!"
At which point said tubing slithered away.
Kate
Was that one of those that is shiny black with bright red/orange markings?
If so , saw one of those behind 12 Tree Copse Cemetery.
All the others that I have seen have been a dirty light brown colour.
Peter
Four years in London?
You will have met more than enough snakes already!
Bruce
You will have met more than enough snakes already!
Bruce
I don't remember seeing bright red or orange markings Peter.
It looked like a piece of dark hosepipe. I've also seen green ones.
Best of all were the two baby owls that the CWGC workemn had placed in a container while they repaired the cemetery wall that contained their nest.
It looked like a piece of dark hosepipe. I've also seen green ones.
Best of all were the two baby owls that the CWGC workemn had placed in a container while they repaired the cemetery wall that contained their nest.
Hi Judy,
yes, May is a good time for snakes on the peninsula as it is starting to get warm and the little fellas are getting active. If fact you probably seem more of them around that time, as they are still somewhat sluggish after coming out of hibernation, than in the summer.
Over the years, there have been a few cases of locals being bitten by snakes, though in the couple of cases I know of, it was not life threatening or anything like that.
There are quite a few species of snake on the peninsula and yes, some are poisonous, but as has been suggested, stout boots, a walking stick and just keeping an eye out when off the beaten track is enough. It is more likely you will hear a snake than see it.
The peninsula has a rich array of wildlife, some permanent and some of the birds just passing through. The flamingoes have left for the year from the Salt Lake, the storks having checked out a bit earlier.
Sadly for many visitors, some of the best of the animal life only comes out at dusk or later, including Kate's owls. There are packs of boar in a lot of areas, including now the Anzac sector, we have wolves, and something I only just found out late one evening while returning from the village of Buyukanafarta, badgers, with one crossing the road in front of the car. Throw in the jackals, foxes and lynx and there is a fair mix of mammals.
Cheers
Bill
yes, May is a good time for snakes on the peninsula as it is starting to get warm and the little fellas are getting active. If fact you probably seem more of them around that time, as they are still somewhat sluggish after coming out of hibernation, than in the summer.
Over the years, there have been a few cases of locals being bitten by snakes, though in the couple of cases I know of, it was not life threatening or anything like that.
There are quite a few species of snake on the peninsula and yes, some are poisonous, but as has been suggested, stout boots, a walking stick and just keeping an eye out when off the beaten track is enough. It is more likely you will hear a snake than see it.
The peninsula has a rich array of wildlife, some permanent and some of the birds just passing through. The flamingoes have left for the year from the Salt Lake, the storks having checked out a bit earlier.
Sadly for many visitors, some of the best of the animal life only comes out at dusk or later, including Kate's owls. There are packs of boar in a lot of areas, including now the Anzac sector, we have wolves, and something I only just found out late one evening while returning from the village of Buyukanafarta, badgers, with one crossing the road in front of the car. Throw in the jackals, foxes and lynx and there is a fair mix of mammals.
Cheers
Bill
QUOTE (Eceabat @ Oct 31 2009, 07:20 PM)
Hi Judy,
yes, May is a good time for snakes on the peninsula as it is starting to get warm and the little fellas are getting active. If fact you probably seem more of them around that time, as they are still somewhat sluggish after coming out of hibernation, than in the summer.
Over the years, there have been a few cases of locals being bitten by snakes, though in the couple of cases I know of, it was not life threatening or anything like that.
There are quite a few species of snake on the peninsula and yes, some are poisonous, but as has been suggested, stout boots, a walking stick and just keeping an eye out when off the beaten track is enough. It is more likely you will hear a snake than see it.
The peninsula has a rich array of wildlife, some permanent and some of the birds just passing through. The flamingoes have left for the year from the Salt Lake, the storks having checked out a bit earlier.
Sadly for many visitors, some of the best of the animal life only comes out at dusk or later, including Kate's owls. There are packs of boar in a lot of areas, including now the Anzac sector, we have wolves, and something I only just found out late one evening while returning from the village of Buyukanafarta, badgers, with one crossing the road in front of the car. Throw in the jackals, foxes and lynx and there is a fair mix of mammals.
Cheers
Bill
yes, May is a good time for snakes on the peninsula as it is starting to get warm and the little fellas are getting active. If fact you probably seem more of them around that time, as they are still somewhat sluggish after coming out of hibernation, than in the summer.
Over the years, there have been a few cases of locals being bitten by snakes, though in the couple of cases I know of, it was not life threatening or anything like that.
There are quite a few species of snake on the peninsula and yes, some are poisonous, but as has been suggested, stout boots, a walking stick and just keeping an eye out when off the beaten track is enough. It is more likely you will hear a snake than see it.
The peninsula has a rich array of wildlife, some permanent and some of the birds just passing through. The flamingoes have left for the year from the Salt Lake, the storks having checked out a bit earlier.
Sadly for many visitors, some of the best of the animal life only comes out at dusk or later, including Kate's owls. There are packs of boar in a lot of areas, including now the Anzac sector, we have wolves, and something I only just found out late one evening while returning from the village of Buyukanafarta, badgers, with one crossing the road in front of the car. Throw in the jackals, foxes and lynx and there is a fair mix of mammals.
Cheers
Bill
Hi Bill,
You forgot to mention those hundreds of little green and white striped frogs that came out just after dusk at Eric's place at the beginning of August, seemed to like hanging around our bedroom door, rather camera shy though, only had to think about getting the camera and off the would scoot.
We obviously made far too much noise tramping around Anzac, only ever saw a couple of turtles. plus the bird life.
Jeff
Judy
I was in Gallipoli (mostly Suvla) in the first week of May this year and never saw a single snake despite lengthy treks through waist/shoulder high scrub e.g. on the southern spur of Scimitar Hill. Ironically, it was only when I got back to England and was walking the dog on Surrey heathland that I narrowly missed stepping on two of our friends.
Just as a suggestion, Scats who have a chain of country stores in England sell sturdy leather knee length boots I think for the huntin', fishin' and shootin' fraternity. They might afford a certain amount of protection (certainly from the scrub). Alternatively Millets outdoor stores offer calf/shin protectors which can be secured round your legs with velcro straps so as to overlap your walking boots. These are offered mainly for protecting your legs when hacking through rough country but could give you-know-who a much deserved spell of toothache if they try their shenanigans. Irrespective of efficacy, feeling protected should lift the spirits. Hope that helps.
Enjoy your trip. All the best
John
I was in Gallipoli (mostly Suvla) in the first week of May this year and never saw a single snake despite lengthy treks through waist/shoulder high scrub e.g. on the southern spur of Scimitar Hill. Ironically, it was only when I got back to England and was walking the dog on Surrey heathland that I narrowly missed stepping on two of our friends.
Just as a suggestion, Scats who have a chain of country stores in England sell sturdy leather knee length boots I think for the huntin', fishin' and shootin' fraternity. They might afford a certain amount of protection (certainly from the scrub). Alternatively Millets outdoor stores offer calf/shin protectors which can be secured round your legs with velcro straps so as to overlap your walking boots. These are offered mainly for protecting your legs when hacking through rough country but could give you-know-who a much deserved spell of toothache if they try their shenanigans. Irrespective of efficacy, feeling protected should lift the spirits. Hope that helps.
Enjoy your trip. All the best
John
[quote name='brucehubbard' date='Oct 30 2009, 10:42 PM' post='1294866']
Four years in London?
You will have met more than enough snakes already!
Bruce
So pleased you said it and not me! Seriously I love it here - but lots and lots I'm still adjusting to (no, not the weather by the way - try Canberra). Now I might be in trouble.....!
One wonderful thing is it's so easy to get to the battlefields.
Judy
Four years in London?
You will have met more than enough snakes already!
Bruce
So pleased you said it and not me! Seriously I love it here - but lots and lots I'm still adjusting to (no, not the weather by the way - try Canberra). Now I might be in trouble.....!One wonderful thing is it's so easy to get to the battlefields.
Judy
QUOTE (Thales @ Nov 1 2009, 11:07 AM)
Judy
I was in Gallipoli (mostly Suvla) in the first week of May this year and never saw a single snake despite lengthy treks through waist/shoulder high scrub e.g. on the southern spur of Scimitar Hill. Ironically, it was only when I got back to England and was walking the dog on Surrey heathland that I narrowly missed stepping on two of our friends.
Just as a suggestion, Scats who have a chain of country stores in England sell sturdy leather knee length boots I think for the huntin', fishin' and shootin' fraternity. They might afford a certain amount of protection (certainly from the scrub). Alternatively Millets outdoor stores offer calf/shin protectors which can be secured round your legs with velcro straps so as to overlap your walking boots. These are offered mainly for protecting your legs when hacking through rough country but could give you-know-who a much deserved spell of toothache if they try their shenanigans. Irrespective of efficacy, feeling protected should lift the spirits. Hope that helps.
Enjoy your trip. All the best
John
I was in Gallipoli (mostly Suvla) in the first week of May this year and never saw a single snake despite lengthy treks through waist/shoulder high scrub e.g. on the southern spur of Scimitar Hill. Ironically, it was only when I got back to England and was walking the dog on Surrey heathland that I narrowly missed stepping on two of our friends.
Just as a suggestion, Scats who have a chain of country stores in England sell sturdy leather knee length boots I think for the huntin', fishin' and shootin' fraternity. They might afford a certain amount of protection (certainly from the scrub). Alternatively Millets outdoor stores offer calf/shin protectors which can be secured round your legs with velcro straps so as to overlap your walking boots. These are offered mainly for protecting your legs when hacking through rough country but could give you-know-who a much deserved spell of toothache if they try their shenanigans. Irrespective of efficacy, feeling protected should lift the spirits. Hope that helps.
Enjoy your trip. All the best
John
Thank John. There's some good ideas to look into here.
Cheers
Judy
QUOTE (Eceabat @ Oct 31 2009, 08:20 AM)
Hi Judy,
yes, May is a good time for snakes on the peninsula as it is starting to get warm and the little fellas are getting active. If fact you probably seem more of them around that time, as they are still somewhat sluggish after coming out of hibernation, than in the summer.
Over the years, there have been a few cases of locals being bitten by snakes, though in the couple of cases I know of, it was not life threatening or anything like that.
There are quite a few species of snake on the peninsula and yes, some are poisonous, but as has been suggested, stout boots, a walking stick and just keeping an eye out when off the beaten track is enough. It is more likely you will hear a snake than see it.
The peninsula has a rich array of wildlife, some permanent and some of the birds just passing through. The flamingoes have left for the year from the Salt Lake, the storks having checked out a bit earlier.
Sadly for many visitors, some of the best of the animal life only comes out at dusk or later, including Kate's owls. There are packs of boar in a lot of areas, including now the Anzac sector, we have wolves, and something I only just found out late one evening while returning from the village of Buyukanafarta, badgers, with one crossing the road in front of the car. Throw in the jackals, foxes and lynx and there is a fair mix of mammals.
Cheers
Bill
yes, May is a good time for snakes on the peninsula as it is starting to get warm and the little fellas are getting active. If fact you probably seem more of them around that time, as they are still somewhat sluggish after coming out of hibernation, than in the summer.
Over the years, there have been a few cases of locals being bitten by snakes, though in the couple of cases I know of, it was not life threatening or anything like that.
There are quite a few species of snake on the peninsula and yes, some are poisonous, but as has been suggested, stout boots, a walking stick and just keeping an eye out when off the beaten track is enough. It is more likely you will hear a snake than see it.
The peninsula has a rich array of wildlife, some permanent and some of the birds just passing through. The flamingoes have left for the year from the Salt Lake, the storks having checked out a bit earlier.
Sadly for many visitors, some of the best of the animal life only comes out at dusk or later, including Kate's owls. There are packs of boar in a lot of areas, including now the Anzac sector, we have wolves, and something I only just found out late one evening while returning from the village of Buyukanafarta, badgers, with one crossing the road in front of the car. Throw in the jackals, foxes and lynx and there is a fair mix of mammals.
Cheers
Bill
Bill
As I thought, May is the time they are waking up. I know the rustle well and it always startles me and makes my heart jump. However in "snake awareness mode" I can have a most enjoyable walk.
I really liked reading your description of the wildlife on the Peninsula
cheers
Judy
Opps, forgot the deer. We have a sweet and very timid species of deer on the peninsula, something I was reminded of when I saw a pair in the undergrowth near the road out to Buyukanafarta late in the afternoon a couple of days ago.
In all the years I have lived here this is the first time I have actually seen the deer, though I have come across their tracks often.
Bill
In all the years I have lived here this is the first time I have actually seen the deer, though I have come across their tracks often.
Bill
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