Snakes

During the summer months, if you are working outside or going for a walk, you need to keep a lookout for reptiles. About 40 species of reptiles are found in the Sydney region including turtles, lizards and snakes.

Many people fear reptiles, particularly snakes. However, they are shy creatures and, if given the chance, will escape rather than attack. Most snakes only bite as a last resort and the majority of bites to humans are inflicted while people are trying to catch or kill them.

What to do if you see a snake

• Don’t panic because on most occasions, the snake will be trying to get out of the way as quickly as possible.
• Snakes are actually shy creatures and quickly move away at the first signs of noise and disturbance.
• Usually they will only strike at something as a last resort if they feel they are under threat.
• Most snake bites occur when people try to pick up or kill a snake, so the best thing is to be on the lookout for snakes and simply move away if you see one.
• If you are walking outside of the town centres in bushland areas, do not walk on your own, wear sturdy shoes, carry a first aid kit and know how to use it in case of a snake bite or other emergency.
• It is also important if you are working in your gardens to be aware of snakes at this time of year.
• If you do see a snake in your garden, and you don't have likely areas for them to inhabit, the snake is probably just passing through and the best thing is simply stand back and watch it go about its business.

If you come across a snake in your garden and you need it removed you should contact:

Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Service phone 9413 4300 www.enquiries@metropolitansydneywildlife service.com.au, or

WIRES phone 8977 3333

Harming or capturing reptiles illegal

As more and more bushland is cleared, several reptile species are declining in number and becoming harder to find.

All native snakes are protected in NSW and it is illegal to harm them (NPWS Act 1974).

Maximum Penalty: $11,000 and, in a case where protected fauna are harmed, an additional $1100 in respect of each animal that is harmed, or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.

It is also against the law to take reptiles from the wild. You can apply for a licence to keep captive-bred reptiles.

More information

If you would like to learn more about snakes, contact your local herpetological society. There are a number of societies in NSW:

• Australian Herpetological Society – PO Box R79, Royal Exchange, Sydney NSW 1225
• Reptile Keepers Association of NSW – PO Box 227 Gosford NSW 2250
• Central Coast Reptile and Frog Group – PO Box 828 Gosford NSW 2250
• Hawkesbury Herpetological Society – PO Box 2 Whalan NSW 2770

Source: Dept Environment and Conservation NPWS division Faunanet.gov.au