Snake and Spider Activity Increases with the Hunter's Warm Weather

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

The warmer weather has prompted an increase in spider and snake activity across the Hunter.

In the 12 months to the 31st of August 2016, paramedics attended 100 snake and spider incidents across the Hunter.

Last week, a 10 year old Upper Hunter boy was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital after a suspected spider bite.

The Australian Reptile Park's snake and spider expert, Dan Rumsey says seasonal changes encourage the critters to come out and play.

“Once spring kicks in, as the temperature increases and we also get a little bit more rainfall that encourages animals to become a little bit more active, and also, its breeding season as well.”

Funnel Web Spider

Mr Rumsey says there are a few simple tips to follow to avoid having an unexpected visitor in your yard.

“Try and keep your backyard clear of clutter. If you have young children, it’s really important to educate them about the dangers relating to snakes and spiders.”

“If you ever do see a snake in your backyard the best thing to do is to simply go inside and leave the snake alone it’ll most likely move on anyway,” he says.

Dan Rumsey says in the worst case scenario of a snake or spider bite, the first aid process is simple.

“It’s really important to stay calm. Venom travels through the lymphatic system so if you stay still, the less the venoms going to circulate through your body. Apply your general first aid which will be applying a bandage across the white wound … then seek urgent medical assistance.”

Mr Rumsey says while we may not like to share our property with these creatures, they are a part of the natural environment.

“We have to accept that we have to live with them or alongside them.”

Brown Snake

Mystery dog deaths at kennels continue

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The RSPCA are continuing investigations into the deaths of dogs in boarding kennels around the Hunter, following the revelation of a third dog death at Cooranbong.

Annie, a 5 year old bichon frise died last Wednesday at Pelgate Kennels, with her owners being told Annie had her throat ripped open.

The two other dogs, a three-year old greyhound and a beagle, recently died at Jane's Pet Resort from alleged complications of heatstroke.

A petition has been set up on Change.org in a push for a registry of all animal deaths in boarding kennels in NSW and a standard code of practice for their care.

1645 people have already signed the petition.

UPDATE: putty road fatality in multi-vehicle crash

BY JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE 11:17am

Following a multi-vehicle crash on Putty Road yesterday which resulted in the death of a 26-year old motorcyclist, police are investigating whether speed may have been a factor.

The 26-year old is from Silverdale in Sydney and was riding with a large group of motorcyclists at the time.

The second rider involved in the incident is a 25-year old from Raby in Sydney.

Both were at the head of the group at the time of the accident.

Newcastle and Sydney crash investigation unit officers are continuing investigations.


EARLIER:

The number of tragedies on the Hunter's roads continued to grow over this Christmas and New Year, with one motorcyclist dead and a second in a serious condition after a horror multi-vehicle crash on Putty Road yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 1:30pm following reports three motorcycles and a small truck had collided.

The condition of the third motorcyclist is still unknown and the truck driver was uninjured but taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

NSW Police Operation Safe Arrival wrapped up last night with the finish of double demerits.

Man stabbed during aggravated home invasion

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A 62-year old man is recovering in John Hunter Hospital after being stabbed in the shoulder at a home invasion in Singleton.

Two men with jumpers covering their faces forced entry into the Howe Street unit at about 9pm last night (Monday 2nd January).

The invaders fled from the scene and the victim took himself to Singleton Hospital where he was later transferred to the John Hunter.

A crime scene has been established and Hunter Valley detectives are investigating.

Anyone with further information are being urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Drownings Prompt Water Safety Warnings

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A spate of drownings across the state has prompted the appeal to be vigilant about water safety this summer.

Seventeen people have drowned at beaches, pools, lakes and other bodies of water in New South Wales over the last two weeks.

President of Hunter Surf Life Saving, Henry Scruton is reminding residents and visitors to the Newcastle coastline of the importance of vigilance in and around the water.

Mr Scruton says the large number of recent drownings is tragic.

"It is a very, very sad situation, unfortunately. Not only for the family [and] friends, but for those who have gone in and tried to assist with the recovery of them."

Mr Scruton says beach conditions need to be assessed before jumping in the water.

"In some areas, the conditions have jumped up and been quite deceptive." 

"What looks to be a nice calm, flat section is actually where the rips and the currents are going out to sea and people think ‘I’ll swim in that section because it is a nice, gentle area’ but unfortunately that’s where the currents are," he says.

Mr Scruton says there a number of important things to remember when visiting the beach.

'The big message is; swim between the flags. If you’re going to have a swim, swim with a friend, [and] certainly don’t go swimming after dark it’s just too risky at the moment, unfortunately." 

"If you don’t trust your own abilities, don’t push your limits. Stay up in the waist deep water, don’t go out in the deep part," he says.

Putty Road fatality in multi-vehicle crash

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The number of tragedies on the Hunter's roads continued to grow over this Christmas and New Year, with one motorcyclist dead and a second in a serious condition after a horror multi-vehicle crash on Putty Road yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 1:30pm following reports three motorcycles and a small truck had collided.

The condition of the third motorcyclist is still unknown and the truck driver was uninjured but taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

NSW Police Operation Safe Arrival wrapped up last night with the finish of double demerits.

Police Investigating Maryville Armed Robbery

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A Maryville service station has been the target of an armed robbery overnight.

Three juveniles, described as being in their mid to late teens, reportedly entered the service station on Hannell Street.

They approached the counter where one of the teenagers threatened the employee with a knife and demanded money.

Meanwhile, the two other juveniles stole items from the store.

The three then left the store with cash and merchandise and were last seen heading in a southerly direction on foot.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command attended the scene and are now conducting investigations and inquiries.

One of the offenders was last seen wearing a dark coloured hooded jumper, while the other two were last seen wearing lighter hooded jumpers.

Anyone with information is being encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.