Recently, two cases of snake bites have been recorded in Victoria. The first victim is a 40 year old man. He was bitten when he tried to catch the snake on Tuesday, and the latest victim is a 15-year old girl who has been bitten near Mildura on Wednesday. Both victims are in good condition though but they were rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment.

The most dramatic report was when an adult brown snake was found in the lounge room of a home in Melbourne. The family living in the house was calm though. But they called out snake catchers to remove the snake.

"What usually happens on a warmish day is a snake will simply slither through an open door," says Raymond Hoser, a snake catcher. "We don't usually get busy until October or November, but we've had a few warmish days and I think that's flushing them out early,"

It was reported that eight snakes were collected in Victoria on Monday and three on Sunday.

How to Handle Snake Bites

Snake bites can be dangerous and at times, deadly. However, people should know that not all snakes have venom. And not all snakes with venom, can actually inject the venom into their victims. It is a fact that venom was only injected in 30% of all rattle snake bites and 50% from coral snakes bites.

The best way to avoid snakes is to stay away from rocky and grassy places. When a snake is encountered, do not do something that can make them feel threatened. Wearing long boots and trousers can also help. Avoid walking in dark places, putting hands in holes, and never touch a wild snake.

When bitten by one, do not panic. Concentrate and do some first aid measures. Avoid unnecessary movements to avoid the spread of toxin. If possible, wash the snake bite with clean or boiled water and soap. Then wrap a bandage or a wide tourniquet over the bitten part to avoid the spread of venom.

Some snakes can also spit venom like the spitting cobra which is commonly found in Asia and Africa. When venom is spitted, immediately wash it off and make sure the eyes and other open membranes doesn't absorb much venom.

After giving the first aid, rush the patient in the hospital and have him receive the necessary antiserum shots. However, different snakes can have different types of venoms. So if rare types of snakes are encountered, the best thing to do is to kill the snake and bring it so the doctor can test provide the right shot for the victim.