If you feel like there are more snakes in your area this year, you aren’t imagining it.
Red-bellied black snakes are thriving right now
Bronte Hillen is a snake catcher who runs a snake and reptile relocation service in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter region. She says the recent weather has played a part in why some snakes, especially red-bellied black snakes, are so active right now.
“The Newcastle area has been fantastic for Red-bellied black snakes. The heavy rainfall and high humidity have been fantastic for them,” she says.
Why we’re seeing more snakes in general
But that’s not the only reason snakes are turning up in people’s backyards.
“We are receiving a lot more calls in suburbs that are bordering new estates,” Bronte explains.
“The snakes are waking up after brumation to discover bushland has been completely wiped out, and in the search for new territory, they are making their way into people’s backyards.”
She adds: “They have no choice but to adapt to urbanisation or essentially, not survive.”
In a recent Facebook post, Bronte explores this further, writing: “Around the Hunter Region, developments are going up everywhere!”
“Where are you expecting animals to go?” she asks.
It’s not just snakes that are affected—koalas, birds, wallabies, and lizards are facing the same displacement.
“If you are a supporter of urbanisation, then you have to get comfortable with the fact that a snake may (and probably has) visited your backyard, the same way one of our native birds has,” Bronte writes.
“You don’t have to like snakes, learn to understand their behaviour and have respect for these animals that are quickly having nowhere to go.”
What can we do?
Unlike leaving water out for birds, we can’t, and shouldn’t, actively attract snakes to our properties. But we also don’t need to panic every time we see one.
Red-bellied black snakes are a natural part of our ecosystem and play an essential role in controlling rodent populations. With urban development displacing them from their natural habitat, encounters are becoming more common.
How to get rid of red-belly black snakes
Red-bellied black snakes are most active on warmer days and in the early evening. If you spot one, or any snake for that matter, don’t approach it or try to catch it.
Red-bellied black snakes are venomous but generally shy. Just to be safe, pop your pets inside and call a licensed snake catcher, like Bronte, to come and relocate it.
How to make your backyard less attractive to snakes
- Remove hiding spots (wood piles, debris)
- Keep the grass short
- Seal gaps under sheds/houses
- Remove food sources (rodents)
- Keep pet food inside
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