Living side by slide

HAVE you ever wanted to learn about how to look after the slithery friends that share our landscape?

If so Reptiles Victoria are running two reptile awareness events on 16 and 17 April at Lakeside Hotel.

The first event on Friday is a snake education and awareness night to inform residents about living with snakes in the Greater Bendigo region.

The second event is a reptile rescue and rehabilitation information session about caring for and looking after wild reptiles.

Both events are free and run by local vet Dr Chris Allison, who heads the Bendigo Animal Hospital.

Common snakes to the surrounding region include eastern brown, tiger snake, copperhead and red-bellied snake.

According to Reptiles Victoria, deaths by snake bite are rare in Australia with around one to three people dying a year.

As Victoria heads into colder months, snake activity reduces however reptiles can be seen basking in the sun on warmer days.

Reptiles Victoria said the best ways to prevent a snake bite are to not go out in the bush wearing thongs or short pants and to not let your dog off lead in natural areas where snakes live.

For more information on the events, head to Reptile Victoria’s Facebook page.