It’s that time of year; the weather is warming up and snakes are out and about looking for love. If you’re heading outdoors, it’s important to equip yourself with safety tips so you know what to do if you encounter a snake (or pair mating!) and learn a little about these magnificent creatures.

Not everyone is a fan of snakes, but these often-misunderstood creatures play an essential role in the health and balance of our ecosystems. Serving as both predator and prey, snakes are a vital part of the food chain and help control pests like rats and mice. Some research also suggests snakes play a key role in seed dispersal.

Nearly all snake bites in Australia occur because humans have tried to move, capture or kill the snake. If you come across a snake, back away slowly and gently to a safe distance and let it move away. Snakes usually just want to escape when disturbed so please leave them alone. 

If a snake appears in your garden, keep small children and pets inside and call a licenced snake handler.

Our Bushland Management and Biodiversity teams have identified about a dozen snake species across the Northern Beaches, including land and sea snakes.

You’re unlikely to come across a tiger snake or death adder, but they may be present in our larger bushland areas. More common are red-bellied black snakes. Although this non-aggressive snake can pack a punch, there are no recorded deaths from this snake in Australia.

Other mildly venomous snakes you might see include the golden-crowned snake, yellow-faced whip snake and marsh (swamp) snake.

We also have habitats which include the non-venomous and rather beautiful green tree snake and the mildly venomous brown tree snake.

The iconic diamond python may be found in trees and sometimes in roofs. This snake can appear rather intimidating due to its size, but it is harmless.

Although most snakes are unlikely to inflict a wound that could lead to serious illness or death, you need to be prepared in case you, someone you know, or a pet is bitten.

Snake safety tips

• Leave the snake alone! Most bites happen when people try to kill or capture them. Back slowly and gently away to a safe distance and let it move away.
• If bitten, call an ambulance on Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Don't panic and don't move a bitten person or animal.
• Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage and splint.
• Don't wash, suck, cut or tourniquet the bite.
• Learn more from Health Direct.

How to deter snakes from making your backyard their home

• Keep lawns mowed and vegetation trimmed.
• Remove things snakes may shelter under such as piles of wood, old building materials or vegetation waste.
• Leave bush rock in the bush where it belongs and don’t bring it into your yard.
• Enclose chicken coups or other small animal hutches with fine mesh.
• Keep water features away from your home as snakes are attracted to water.

Snake relocation assistance

If you find a snake in your yard or home and would like it relocated, please call either:

• Sydney Wildlife Rescue on 9413 4300 (24/7).
• NSW WIRES on 1300 094 737.