REPTILE RANGER BADGE

Danger Zone Map

Lesson 9.5 — The Deadly Three

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Kitimu says: "Knowing WHERE snakes like to hide is the best way to stay safe around them. Today you're going to walk around your property like a real snake safety expert and create a danger zone map. Knowledge is your superpower — let's go, Cub!"

🎒 What You Need

Your garden or property

Paper and coloured pencils

A ruler

An adult to walk with you

📋 How To Do It

Draw your property map: Start by drawing a simple bird's-eye-view map of your garden, yard, or property. Include the house, paths, garden beds, walls, fences, trees, and any outbuildings like sheds or garages.
Walk the perimeter with an adult: Walk slowly around your property together. Look for places where snakes might hide or travel: long grass, rock piles, woodpiles, compost heaps, dark corners of sheds, gaps under doors, and dense bushes.
Mark the danger zones: On your map, mark each snake-risk area with a red circle or warning triangle. Use a danger rating: HIGH (long grass, rock piles, woodpiles), MEDIUM (dense bushes, garden beds), LOW (open lawn, paved areas).
Add safety rules: Next to each danger zone, write a safety rule. For example: "Always wear closed shoes near the woodpile" or "Use a torch at night near the garden wall" or "Keep this grass short."
Create your family safety plan: Write three golden rules for your family: (1) Always look where you step and put your hands, (2) Wear closed shoes outside at night, (3) If you see a snake, stand still and back away slowly — NEVER try to touch or catch it.

Ranger Tip: Most snake bites happen when people accidentally step on a snake or try to pick one up. Snakes don't chase people — they only bite in self-defence. The best snakebite prevention is simply watching where you walk and never putting your hands where you can't see.

Safety note: NEVER try to catch, touch, poke, or kill a snake. Even "dead" snakes can still bite by reflex. If you find a snake in your home or garden, move everyone away, keep eyes on the snake from a safe distance, and call a professional snake catcher. Always do this activity with an adult.

First aid reminder: If someone is bitten by a snake: keep them calm and still, call emergency services immediately, do NOT cut the bite, suck out venom, or apply a tourniquet. Get to a hospital as fast as possible. Knowing this could save a life!