Living With Snakes

People react to snakes in different ways. Some fear them whilst others are fascinated and respectful of them. Generations of tales, conditioning and rumour have portrayed snakes as aggressive, dangerous creatures. Eight species of snakes are known to inhabit the ACT, with five regarded as potentially dangerous to humans. However, whilst all snakes in the ACT are venomous except the blind snake, they are shy, nonaggressive creatures that will quickly retreat if not provoked. 

The Eastern Brown Snake is the most frequently seen in suburban gardens, and the Red-Bellied Black Snake, Tiger Snake and the Black-headed Snake are only seen occasionally. In the ACT, the Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) varies from brown to grey and can even be blackish, dark brown or orange. Young snakes may be entirely brown or may have a black patch on their head and a black band on their neck. Black bands across the body may or may not be present.

Snakes are important in the web of life and food chain, consuming smaller animals, some of which are introduced pests such as mice. Snakes in turn provide food for other animals like birds and reptiles.

Download a copy of the brochure: Living with Snakes ( PDF 281KB)

Protected By Law

Snakes are protected by law in all states and territories of Australia and may not be killed unless they threaten life. Offences under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 carry severe penalties. Snakes cannot be taken from the wild; kept without a licence; or traded without a licence.

What To Do 

Sometimes snakes will enter suburban gardens in search of water particularly during long, dry periods such as pet bowls, fish ponds, swimming pools; and in search of food such as mice feeding from aviaries or compost bins. In the ACT, snakes are most active from October to March when they sun themselves or when they move in search of food.

In most cases, the snake will just be passing through on its way to or from food, water, shelter or a sunny spot. Move pets and children away for an hour or until the snake moves off. To reduce the chance of snakes staying on, and in preparation for times when snakes are most active (spring and summer):

• keep lawns and gardens well maintained;
• remove piles of wood or other debris from the yard or store it off the ground;
• ensure pet food and water bowls are not accessible to wildlife;
• enclose compost heaps to reduce mouse populations (a food source for snakes); and
• tidy up aviaries as these attract mice and in turn, snakes.

Avoid Being Bitten

Snakes are naturally shy and their first form of defence is to move away from danger, and humans are viewed as danger. If provoked or cornered, a snake may attempt to protect itself by striking. People are most likely to be bitten when attempting to kill or handle a snake. Although snakes move at the speed of a fast walk, they can strike very rapidly if aroused. To avoid being bitten:

• move away and let the snake go on its way;
• never try to kill or handle a snake;
• be alert at all times in the bush, especially in the early morning when snakes are more likely to be sunning themselves;
• cover up with trousers and enclosed shoes when bushwalking and gardening in overgrown places;
• avoid walking through long grass;
• avoid putting your hand into hollow logs or rock crevices; and
• keep pets well away from snakes and lizards.

First Aid Treatment

If someone is bitten by a snake:

• Do not wash the wound. Medical staff can use excess venom to identify the snake.
• Venom travels through the lymph system, which is close to the surface. Apply a firm pressure bandage over the bitten area and around the affected limb, using a crepe or conforming bandage or other suitable material such as pantyhose.
• Bandage from the bite to the fingers or toes then up to the armpit or groin.
• Apply a splint to immobilise the limb.
• Do not give alcohol, food or drugs as these will stimulate fluid movement.
• Keep the patient still by having them lay down.
• Reassure the patient.
• Call an ambulance or take the patient to hospital.

Mistaken Identity

The Blue-tongued Lizard is common in Canberra gardens and is recognised by a stout body, stumpy legs and fleshy, blue tongue. It is not venomous but is often killed in the mistaken belief it is a snake. Unfortunately, many are also badly injured or killed by dogs and cats.

Blue-tongued Lizards are an asset to any garden, as they feed on snails and other invertebrates. Several species of legless lizard, which are also harmless and look like snakes, also live in the ACT. Remember snakes and lizards are native wildlife and are protected by law in the ACT and throughout Australia.

Further Information

• Brochure: Living with Snakes ( PDF 1.8Mb)
  
• If you need more advice or would like to talk to a Ranger please call:
  Canberra Connect on 13 22 81
  Northside - 6207 2113
  Southside - 6207 2087
  
• To report injured native wildlife or for information on becoming an RSPCA wildlife carer, call 6287 8100 during business hours or 0413 495 031 after hours. Do not attempt to look after sick or injured wildlife if you are not a licensed and trained carer with RSPCA Wildlife.