Beasties

[G1ZmO (Paul)]

Yes I know I'll probably get laughed at for this post but here goes...

I'm currently in Scotland and there aren't any beasties that can really do you harm when you're standing in the dark observing at night but what about in Aus? (specifically Victoria)

Has anyone had problems with snakes/spiders or any other beasties at night while observing?

I've probably been tainted with the usual paranoia which afflicts potential Australian immigrants with regards to the indigenous wildlife

Thanks

Paul

[lacad01 (Adam)]

For me just mosquitoes, I'm like a magnet to them

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

A little paranoia is a good thing to have.
You just need to be careful. Don't stick your fingers or feet anywhere without having a little look first. If somethings been lying on the ground, a tarp, a piece of wood, some corrugated iron, always assume that some little critter will be curled up asleep under it.

[G1ZmO (Paul)]

Oh yes, I didn't mention the midges in Scotland but they do generally vanish before the astro season starts in August (too light between May and August to do any astronomy really)

Ref: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.u...atures/midges/

Won't miss them, that's for sure lol

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Jeanettes advice is pretty good, especially in northern Oz or in summer when snakes can be active at night. Down here I've never had a problem in 35 years of observing. Mozzies are only about in summer and they ease off after twilight. I have been at a quiet spot by myself and been able to hear the roos chewing the grass about 5m from me - very nice.

Of course there is the rare and endangered nocturnal drop-bear to worry about. Since astronomers don't set up under trees they aren't really a problem, but do beware where you stand when answering a call of nature.

[G1ZmO (Paul)]

Yes, drop-bears. I'll be sure to be wary of them lol
We have a similar problem in Scotland during the autumn when astronomers can suddenly be bowled over by a passing herd of migrating haggis

[stephenb (Stephen)]

Originally Posted by AstralTraveller

Of course there is the rare and endangered nocturnal drop-bear to worry about. Since astronomers don't set up under trees they aren't really a problem, but do beware where you stand when answering a call of nature.

Actually, I have heard that drop bears have been know to drop at angles of up to 45-degrees if the conditions are just right. An exclusion perimeter equal to the height of the tree is advisable.

http://www.geocities.com/muirnin/db.htm


When I used to set up in the middle of a paddock, I was cautious fo snakes, especially in the warmer months.

Mozzies at night can be a nuisance.

[snowyskiesau]

The only hazard I have to put up with is flying foxes. Mostly they sit in a neighbours fruit trees arguing (apparently they don't like to share) so noise is the problem.
Having one swoop silently overhead in the early hours can cause a few skipped heartbeats. I won't even start to describe the mess they make!

[stephenb (Stephen)]

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

The only hazard I have to put up with is flying foxes. Mostly they sit in a neighbours fruit trees arguing (apparently they don't like to share) so noise is the problem.
Having one swoop silently overhead in the early hours can cause a few skipped heartbeats. I won't even start to describe the mess they make!

we used to get them a lot in our area, but not anymore. Pretty harmless except their mess can be an issue.

[dpastern (Dave Pastern)]

I'd say midges (females), mosquitoes (females) and horseflies (females). Anyone noticing a trend here?

Dave

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

Well down here in south-west Western Australia its mainly mosquitoes and perhaps ticks (only annoying ticks here on this side of the continent, none are particularly poisonous, not like in NSW). Snakes at night only when extremely hot, but I've not encountered any during my sessions. Foxes might have a go at your food if you're camping but that's more a nuisance than a physical threat.

However if you go up north to the Pilbara and Kimberley you would be wise to look out for nocturnal snake activity, I've heard a few stories of people sleeping on the ground in swags and waking up with snake in bed with them. Best to sleep on a camp bed or in a tent you can zip up.

But there are those persistant stories of rogue black panthers living in the forests of the southwest, but of course no one can provide any proof...

[Jen]

Originally Posted by dpastern

I'd say midges (females), mosquitoes (females) and horseflies (females). Anyone noticing a trend here?

Dave

hey watch it you there is a crazy woman that also gets around with big sticks

[Jen]

oh those dam mozzies love me in the summer time

And the occasional cat or two will come up and start rubbing my leg all of a sudden and scare the willies out of me

[pgc hunter]

surprisingly we had absolutely no mozzies last summer....maybe the extremely cold and disgusting December killed them off, while the heat in January finished the job.

But the summer before that....oh lordie what a horror story. Astronomy on a 30C night in sweat pants and a jumper.....mad fun...



.....not!

[DavidU (Dave)]

The bacteria in the Flying Foxes teeth is what will kill you.
Here the ticks can also kill you with in a few days, oh and Red back spiders give me the willy's

[pgc hunter]

my pool is infested with redbacks in summer.

but they only get you if you disturb their webs.

[dpastern (Dave Pastern)]

Originally Posted by Jen

hey watch it you there is a crazy woman that also gets around with big sticks

lol, I can run very very fast when inspired

Dave

[Jen]

Originally Posted by dpastern

lol, I can run very very fast when inspired

Dave

well you better start running cause i can run too when ive been inspired LMAO

[pgc hunter]

When I'm inspired I jump around in circles.

[MrB (Simon)]

Yeash, in addition to Jacquies post, be on the lookout for spiders, most are harmless but I've found a white-tail under my pillow once when camping out.