Bandy Bandy (Vermicella annulata) is a venomous snake species found in Australia, including the Sutherland Shire region.
Identification: The Bandy Bandy is a small to medium-sizedsnake, typically reaching lengths of 50 to 80 centimeters (1.6 to 2.6 feet). Itis easily recognizable by its striking black-and-white banded pattern, whichruns the entire length of its slender body. This distinctive coloration servesas a warning to predators and plays a role in its unique defensive behavior.
Habitat: Bandy Bandys are found across various habitats,including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and sandy coastal regions. They areprimarily fossorial, meaning they spend most of their lives underground, oftenhiding beneath rocks, logs, or within loose soil. They are occasionally spottedabove ground at night, particularly after rain.
Behavior: This species is nocturnal and highly secretive,rarely seen during the day. When threatened, a Bandy Bandy exhibits a uniquedefensive display by forming loops with its body, which is thought to startleor confuse predators. Despite this intimidating posture, it is a non-aggressivesnake that prefers to avoid confrontation.
Diet: Bandy Bandys have a highly specialized diet, primarilyfeeding on blind snakes (Typhlopidae). They use their venom to subdue theirprey before swallowing them whole.
Venom: While venomous, the Bandy Bandy is not considereddangerous to humans. Its venom is adapted for hunting small prey rather thanself-defense, and bites to humans are extremely rare. Nonetheless, anysnakebite should be treated seriously, and medical attention should be soughtimmediately.
If you encounter an Bandy Bandy Snake or any snake in the Sutherland Shire area and require assistance, you can contact Tyler Gibbons at Shire Snake Wranglers. Here are the provided contact details:
Name: Tyler Gibbons
Phone number: 0428 458 856
Company: Shire Snake Wranglers
Snake Wranglers like Tyler Gibbons have expertise in handling and safely relocating snakes, ensuring both human safety and the welfare of the snakes. It's important to exercise caution and not attempt to handle or provoke a snake if you encounter one, and instead rely on trained professionals for assistance.
The Bandy Bandy (Vermicella annulata) is one of the morerarely encountered snakes in the Sutherland Shire. This elusive, nocturnalspecies is primarily fossorial, spending most of its life underground in sandysoils, under rocks, or within rotting logs. It is occasionally seen aboveground at night, particularly after heavy rainfall. Despite its secretivenature, the Bandy Bandy’s striking black-and-white banded pattern makes itinstantly recognizable when spotted. Conservation efforts are important forthis species, as habitat destruction and urban development continue to threatenits natural environment.
Call us immediately! And if possible, try to maintain a visual of the snake - from a safe distance.
Safely attempt to contain the snake to an area of the house or property by closing doors, blocking gaps etc.
If possible, take a photo and/or record a video of the snake and text it to us (for identification purposes).
Most importantly, do not attempt to touch or catch the snake yourself! Please leave this to the professionals.
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Alternatively, if you have a general question, or even some feedback, feel free to complete & submit the below form.
Yes, we are fully-licensed with the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Licence #MWL000103684
Absolutely not! It is extremely important that you do not attempt to catch the snake yourself. Please leave this to the professionals, to avoid any risk of being bitten and/or seriously injured.
No. Please keep small children and pets away from wherever you saw the snake in your home/property, until it has been safely captured.
If you have been bitten by a venomous snake, it is crucial to take immediate action! Here are some recommendations:
1. Stay Calm: Panicking increases your heart rate, which can cause the venom to spread quicker.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Do not attempt to drive yourself!
3. Keep Bite Area Immobilized: Immobilizing the bitten limb can slow down the spread of venom to other parts of the body.
4. Remove Constrictive Items: Snakebite swelling can progress rapidly, so remove any constrictive items, such as; rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the bite site.
5. Do Not Apply a Tourniquet: Contrary to popular belief, applying a tourniquet, or restricting blood flow, is not recommended and can cause more harm than good.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water! Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or other substances that can increase heart rate and blood flow.
7. Observe and Describe the Snake: If possible, try to remember the look of the snake that bit you. This information can help healthcare professionals determine the appropriate antivenom for treatment.
Yes, we do. The amount varies and is dependent on the date and time. However, we guarantee we are the cheapest snake catchers in the Sutherland Shire!