In brief:

• This article lists tips to staying safe around wildlife in spring.
• Magpies breed in springtime, and some will swoop to protect their nest.
• With more pollen about in spring, bees and wasps are more active.
• You may see more snakes in the warmer months.

Warmer weather means some more of our wildlife is out and about.

Here are some tips around staying safe and protecting our local animals and insects.

Magpie safety

Breeding season for birds is from July to November. Some birds, like magpies, will swoop in this time, to protect their territory, nest, and young.

If there's a swooping bird in your neighbourhood, here are some tips to protect yourself:

• walk through the bird's territory quickly, don't run
• take a different route
• protect your head with an umbrella, hat, or helmet
• wear glasses to protect your eyes
• watch the birds while walking away quickly from the area as they are less likely to swoop if you look at them
• protect your pet and don’t leave them alone or off-lead in an area with a swooping bird
• don't let your pet attack birds
• attach a flag or streamers on a stick to your bike or backpack
• walk your bike through the bird's territory, don't ride.

Bee and wasp safety

Warmer months means bees and wasps are more active.

Bees generally swarm between August and December. They are not usually aggressive and will go about their day-to-day duties unless they feel threatened.

Wasps are also more active in spring. Their nests are established by single queens in spring, and by mid-autumn successful nests are busy rearing the new generation with a potential output of over 1,000 new queens per nest.

There are different types of wasps, some to be more wary of. You can see our wasp identification chart here.

If a nest is on your property, it is your responsibility to have it removed by a qualified pest control operator. Don’t not attempt to remove the nest yourself, as you could be stung.

To report a bee hive or wasp nest on ACT Government land, please submit your request using this European Wasp, Ants or Bees Report form.

If stung, the recommended first aid for a wasp or bee sting is an ice pack to reduce the pain and swelling. However, if people are stung in the mouth, have trouble breathing, or develop an itchy rash, seek medical help immediately.

Snake safety

As temperatures start to rise in Canberra, snakes will become more active.

In the ACT, snakes are most active from October to March.

While some snakes can be venomous, they're shy, non-aggressive creatures that will retreat if they’re not provoked.

The best thing to do is move yourself, kids and pets away from the area and leave them be until they move on.

If you have concerns for your safety, there are licensed services available that can remove snakes from your property.

Snakes are an important part of the wider ecosystem and are protected by law in Australia. It is illegal to kill them unless they threaten life.

To avoid being bitten:

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

For more safety tips and first aid information, visit the ACT Government Environment website.

Read more like this:

• Stay well this spring
• Where to spot wildlife in Canberra

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