Dealing with snakes

During spring and summer, many reptilian creatures will come out of hiding to bask in the sunlight causing concern and potential risks to unsuspecting people and their pets. During this time you should take precautions and be aware of your surroundings in order to minimise the chance of dangerous encounters with any snakes.

You need to remember that snakes do live in the environment of the metropolitan area. They are an integral part of the natural environment and play an important role in wildlife ecosystems.

Common snakes seen around Perth

The most commonly encountered dangerously venomous snakes in the metropolitan area are dugites and tiger snakes. Tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) are most common in vegetation around wetland areas. They are also often seen throughout the year sunning themselves in open areas and may be found well away from water.
Dugites (Pseudonaja affinis) are most commonly found in the drier bushland areas around Perth, especially grasslands. They are fast-moving snakes that are attracted to aviaries and other locations where mice can be found. Both species hunt small mammals, frogs and lizards, and though they are active in the day, they are also active at night in warm weather.

Precautions you should take

Peoples' dislike of snakes is most often based in fear and the lack of knowledge on how to live with them, but by taking precautions and making a few adjustments in lifestyle, the possibility of a dangerous encounter with any snakes is reduced.

• Be aware and take care in bushland and grassy areas.
• Walk and/or cycle on cleared areas only, where the ground can be seen.
• When out bushwalking, wear long trousers and boots or other enclosed footwear that preferably cover the ankles.
• Keep a watchful eye on the ground about a metre ahead of where you are walking and avoid entering areas of long grass, rushes and undergrowth.
• Remove from residences, any long grass and items lying on the ground such as corrugated iron, which may provide cover for snakes.
• Reduce mice numbers around the house.
• Learn the correct treatment for snakebite. (Opens in a new browser window.)

What to do if you find a snake

If you encounter a snake it is important not to approach or aggravate it in any way. Most snakebites occur when people accidentally step on them, or when they are attempting to kill them. As the warmer days of spring approach, snakes become more active and noticeable as they leave their winter retreats in search of a mate and food.

If you find a snake in a garden or a house, you should contact the department on (08) 9334 0292 or 9334 0333 and you will be referred to one of a number of volunteer reptile removers.

If volunteers are unavailable at the time, there are commercial operators that provide snake removal services. Advice can be provided by phoning the department on (08) 9334 0292 or 9334 0333.