Last week Ms Bollington was sitting outside her home on a chair when she looked down near her feet to find a long, skinny creature that at first look seemed to be a worm. 

On closer inspection she found it to be a baby snake. 

While it turned out to be a “blind snake”, a variety that isn’t venomous, Ms Bollington said it was a good reminder to residents to be cautious when outdoors this summer.  

The mother of nine children said it was particularly important for parents to keep an eye out. 

“You expect them when you live on a property like we do,” she said. 

“However, kids being kids might be inquisitive about them.

“If I can mistake one for a worm they definitely can.”

Ms Bollington was going to release the snake away from homes when she thought it could still be harmful, but decided on taking it to the vet. 

“I went in there and they were the ones that told me it was a blind snake,” she said. “They actually can’t see. 

“They aren’t venomous and most of the time can be found in the garden. As I said I don’t have a problem with snakes. 

“But whether they are venomous or not, people should be keeping an eye out this time of year.”

Ms Bollington said she had noticed an increase in the amount of snakes in the shire this year. 

“A lot of people have been saying that,” she said. “We’ve definitely had more out on our property, but I know people have been talking about seeing more in town.

“I don’t have a problem with them out on a farm, but once they come near the house that’s when I get concerned. People should always be keeping an eye out this time of year.”