I’M A Celebrity bosses have put the camp on high alert after a horde of venomous snakes were captured around the site.
Expert handlers on the hit ITV show have snared bagfuls of the poisonous Eastern Small-eyed and Red-Bellied Black serpents – just a few feet away from where the celebrities are sleeping.
Producers are on high alert after dangerous snakes were spotted near camp
The venom from Eastern Small-eyed snakes can cause long-term muscle damage and kidney problems while untreated bites from Red-Bellied serpents can prove fatal.
Meanwhile the site team have also placed warning signs around the camp in New South Wales to remind the crew to remain calm if they stumble across the slippery reptiles.
An insider said: “There have been loads of sightings around the camp and they are likely to become agitated if they are disturbed.
“In rehearsals a Red-Bellied Black snake curled up next to a stand-in while she slept so there is a high chance that a celebrity could wake up to a very unwelcome visitor.
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“All of the crew are watching their step given that the bites can cause serious health problems if they are not treated rapidly.”
Max Walker, who runs Murwillumbah Snake Catchers, which is based near to the I’m A Celebrity camp in New South Wales, said: “The snake bites you and it can then choose to let venom go in or not.
“If venom is released, it goes straight into a vein, then it goes into your blood system and it will take effect straight away.”
He continued: “Most snakes don’t have terrific eyesight and they get around by mostly smell.
“But when they get close, their eyesight comes into play. In particular with the Eastern Brown they are very alert to sudden movement.
“If you go and walk up very slowly to the snake – the snake will sit there. But if you move suddenly, it scares the hell out of it and it will then react to that.”
Max explained how bites from both snake species found in the camp would need hospital treatment, but added: “The Red-Bellied venom will act faster on you but it is probably not going to kill you.
“The Eastern Small-Eyed will give you long-term muscle damage and maybe kidney problems while the Red-Bellied could cause nerve endings to be destroyed.”
Asked if campmates should be wary while they sleep in the camp, Max said: “The snakes in Australia won’t bite you while you are sleeping.
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“The only thing that will go wrong in Australia is sometimes the snake will come up to the person who is sleeping and snuggle up for warmth.”
The warning comes after politician Matt Hancock, 44, was rushed to the medical team after he was stung on his finger by a scorpion in camp before it was safely removed by the crew.
For the first time in two years I’m A Celeb is back in the Australian jungle
Charlene White and Matt Hancock are currently adjusting to life in the jungle
