Snakes & Other Reptiles
Snake Safety and Awareness
Snakes are cold blooded reptiles. This means that when the weather warms up, snakes become more active and visible as they look for food or a potential mate. This increases the possibility of potential interactions with people throughout The Hills Shire.
Snakes are regularly sighted in council reserves, residents’ backyards and the wider environment.
Like any wild animal, snakes are to be treated with caution and be given a wide berth where possible, however, they are not an animal to be feared.
Most snake species are not naturally aggressive and will generally see humans as a threat. Their preference will generally be to retreat from or avoid humans when possible. However, at times, an interaction with a snake may be unavoidable.
When you come across a snake, they may make hissing noises or give warning strikes. Please be mindful that this is usually just defensive behaviour informing you not to come any closer. If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to avoid an interaction with a snake (i.e. it's at your feet), stay completely still so it doesn't see you as a threat.
Below are some key tips on what to do if you are confronted with a snake.
What do I do if I see a snake?
All native snake and reptile species are protected by law throughout NSW under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Harming, killing or capturing snakes without formal licenses or approvals is a serious offence.
In a public place or reserve:
- Be alert but not alarmed. Stay as calm as possible. leave it alone and back away slowly to a safe distance. Snakes will often prefer to avoid interactions with people where possible.
- Never attempt to capture or kill the snake. Snakes will generally only bite if hurt or provoked and most bites occur when people try to kill or capture snakes.
- Keep pets and children away from the snake.
- Warn others in the area.
- Report it to council through our website or customer service (9843 0555) Council may install temporary signage in the area to help warn others. Council does not capture or relocate snakes.
On my property:
- If the snake is outside – Keep pets and children inside and keep an eye on the snake. The snake will generally move along. If it does not move along or you want to have it removed sooner, contact a licensed snake handler.
- If the snake is inside – Contact a licensed snake handler or a wildlife rescue group such as WIRES or Sydney Wildlife Rescue. Keep pets and people away from the snake and close the door to the room it is in if possible, to contain the snake until the handler arrives.
Injured Snake:
What can I do to deter snakes from entering my property?
Here are some tips to deter snakes from your property and stay safe in the snake season:
- Keep your gardens tidy, lawn mown short and prune overgrown vegetation
- Keep pests such as mice and rats under control and bird aviaries/chook pens clean and secure
- Remove shelter like piles of rubble, building materials and rock walls
Why should we learn to live with snakes?
- Snakes are predators that help to keep the population of pest animals such as mice & rats in check. Without this, pest animals may impact areas of human life such as health and suburban living.
- Snakes are also prey items to a number of native Australian wildlife, including monitor lizards, carnivorous birds and marsupials.
- Snakes play an important role in medical and scientific research.
- Snakes play an important role in many different ecosystems, however their numbers are generally declining due to the removal of their habitat and introduced predators such as foxes, dogs and cats.
Other Reptiles of The Hills
View the image gallery below to see what the following reptiles look like!
- Blue Tongue Lizard - These lizards are non-venomous. They are usually quite timid but capable of a painful bite if handled.
- Eastern Water Dragon - These lizards are non-venomous. They are usually quite timid but capable of a painful bite if handled.
- Eastern Water Skink - These lizards are non-venomous. They are very timid.
- Lace Monitor - These lizards are mildly venomous and capable of a painful bite if handled. Their bite is not fatal to humans but may cause infections.
- Burton’s Legless Lizard - These lizards are non-venomous. They are capable of biting but will usually flee if encountered.
- Long Necked Turtle - These turtles are non-venomous and are not dangerous to humans. They may secrete a pungent liquid if handled or disturbed.
More information