Snakes

Knowing snakes can be nearby and understanding how to respond are key to living with them.

When the weather gets warmer, snakes come out of hibernation and become more active.

Snake species commonly found in our region include:

• Eastern Brown Snake
• Red-bellied Black Snake
• Tiger Snake

Although these three snake species have venom, they rarely bite humans. Most snake bites happen when people try to catch or kill them.

What to do if you see a snake

If you come across a snake on Council land or at your residential property:

1. Keep calm and move yourself and anyone with you (including pets) away from the area
2. Leave it alone – under no circumstances should you attempt to catch or kill a snake yourself
3. Call DEECA on 136 186 – they will connect you with a licensed snake handler nearby

Snakes are a native animal and are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to capture, harm or kill snakes without authority,

Treating a bite

If you or a family member gets bitten by a snake, quickly seek medical help and call 000 for an ambulance.

If your pet gets bitten, take them to your local vet or an emergency vet right away. Try to keep the pet as still as possible to reduce the circulation of the venom.

Prevent snakes from coming onto your property

• Keep grass short
• Remove rubbish, piles of wood and other cover, such as sheets of iron or rock piles
• Modify your garden to be less attractive to mice and frogs (as these attract snakes)
• Snakes may hibernate in compost bins or piles of leaves
• Keep snakes out of your home by putting screens on doors and windows. Block off any entryways they could use.