Spring is here, and with that comes snakes. After brumating over winter, a snake catcher revealed they are “ready to go”.
Spotting a snake in your backyard can be a scary sight for some, especially if you have kids or pets. Your instincts might be to take matters into your own hands. That said, some people make a big mistake, and it often results in a snakebite.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Give a snake space and stay still. They don’t chase or attack for fun, and will usually move on if left alone.
- Never try to catch or kill a snake yourself, as it’s illegal in most states and increases your chance of being bitten.
- Save a local snake catcher’s number now, so you’re ready to call if you’re ever unsure or uneasy.
- Check your yard this weekend for gaps under doors and sheds, and remove common attractants.
Bronte Hillen is a snake catcher who runs a snake and reptile relocation service in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter region.
She says, “We had that beautiful warm day in Newcastle on the very first day of spring and BAM! I haven’t had a quiet day since. Warmer weather always makes snakes busier. Once they warm up, they are ready to go.”
What to do if you see a snake in your backyard
As we move into snake season, Bronte wants everyone to know snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them.
“They don’t bite for fun or randomly attack,” she says. “Give them space, and they will be delighted you are staying away.”
When people spot a snake in their backyard, they usually react out of fear and try to take matters into their own hands.
“People react immediately out of fear,” says Bronte. “This can result in the illegal killing of a native species (snakes are protected by law).”
“Or they try to handle the snake themselves, whether it be out of inexperienced ‘bravery.”
She explains that many people don’t realise it’s against the law to try to catch a snake (like the Biodiversity Conservation Act in NSW, Nature Conservation Act in QLD).
Not only could you be hit with a fine, but trying to catch a snake yourself increases your chances of being bitten.
Why do we need snakes?
Snakes are essential for the environment, helping control pests like rodents.
In a recent Facebook post, Bronte says, “Remove all snakes, and you would see the most disgusting boom in rodents…. I’d prefer snakes, thanks.”
Should I run if I see a snake?
Snakes and other wildlife are increasingly being displaced by urbanisation, which is why we are seeing more snakes in Aussie backyards.
If you do see a snake, there’s a good chance it doesn’t want to be there either, and if you give it a minute, it will move on.
Bronte says if you are unsure or feel uneasy with the wait-and-see approach, call a licensed snake catcher for advice.
“If someone is unsure, then they should always call a snake catcher ASAP. A good snake catcher will offer education and advice before rushing in.
“Most snakes, it’s fine to wait for them to move on, but people have kids or pets they don’t want near snakes, which is understandable.”
The same advice applies if you happen to spot a snake staring at you. The snake is probably just as terrified to be seeing you as you are of it. Importantly, don’t run. Sudden movements and panic reactions are actually what get people into trouble.
What to do right now
- Save a local snake catcher’s number in your phone
- Walk your property and remove the top three things that attract snakes.
- Check for gaps under doors and sheds this weekend.
Remember: all reptiles, including snakes, are protected by law. If you have a snake in your house or want one away from your garden, you cannot and should not handle the situation yourself. Contact a local, licensed professional snake catcher.
Stay still and let it pass. Snakes don’t chase people, and most only “come towards you” if startled, not because they’re hunting you.
Strong, pungent smells are commonly cited as irritants to snakes’ sensitive sense of smell. Experts note there’s no scientifically definitive proof that any scent reliably repels them, so smell-based methods shouldn’t be relied on alone.
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