Snakes

Snakes are an important part of the food chain and the wider ecosystem. While they can be venomous, they're shy, non-aggressive creatures that will retreat if they’re not provoked.

Snakes are protected by law in all Australian states and territories. It is illegal to kill them unless they threaten life. Offences listed under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act) will result in severe penalties. Snakes can’t be taken from the wild, kept, or traded without a licence.

There are 8 species of snakes that live in the ACT:

• Eastern Brown snake (most common)
• Common Tiger snake (seen occasionally)
• Red-bellied Black snake (seen occasionally)
• White-lipped snake
• Highlands Copperhead snake
• Black-headed snake (rarely sighted as it’s nocturnal)
• Blackish Blind snake (not as dangerous to humans)
• Common Bandy-bandy snake (not as dangerous to humans)

The Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is the most common snake seen in ACT gardens. They can be brown to grey, sometimes 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.

What to do if you see a snake

Snakes are sometimes found in suburban gardens looking for water, particularly during long, dry periods. In the ACT, snakes are most active from October to March. During this time, they will sun themselves or move in search of food or water.

If you see a snake, move any pets and children away for an hour or until the snake moves away.

To reduce the chance of snakes staying or returning to your home:

• maintain your lawns and gardens well
• remove piles of wood or other debris from the yard or store it off the ground
• keep pet food and water bowls away from wildlife
• enclose compost heaps to reduce mouse populations (a food source for snakes)
• tidy up aviaries as these attract mice and, in turn, snakes.

Snakes are naturally shy, and their first form of defence is to move away from danger, including humans. If they’re provoked or cornered, they might try to protect themselves by striking. People are most commonly bitten when they try to kill or handle a snake.

To avoid being bitten:

• move away and let the snake go on its way
• never try to kill or handle a snake
• always be alert 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
• keep pets well away from snakes and lizards.

Make sure you don't confuse snakes with the Blue-tongued Lizard. The lizard is common in Canberra gardens and is recognised by their stout body, stumpy legs and fleshy blue tongue. They're not venomous but are often killed because it's mistaken for a snake.

Snake bite first aid

First aid to help someone bitten by a snake:

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

Licenced snake removal

If you find a snake on your property and have concerns for your safety, there are licensed services available that can help remove it.

It's illegal under the NC Act to take a snake, whether dead or alive, without a nature conservation licence.

The following snake removal companies are licensed to take and release snakes. Please note licenced organisations may charge a fee.

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