Dealing with snakes

During spring and summer, many reptiles creatures come out of hiding to bask in the sunlight. This can cause concern (and potential risks) to people and their pets.

During this time you should take precautions and be aware of your surroundings to minimise the chance of encounters with  snakes.

Remember, snakes do live in 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, but may be found well away from water. They are also often seen throughout the year sunning themselves in open areas. 
• 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 active in the day, are also active at night in warm weather.

Precautions 

Peoples' dislike of snakes is most often based on fear and lack of knowledge, 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.
• Around your home remove 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. (First aid information from St John.) 

What to do if you find a snake

Do not 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, contact Wildcare Helpline (08) 9474 9055 to be referred to a volunteer reptile remover.

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

If you are interested in snakes and other reptiles, contact West Australian Herpetological Society. (Opens in a new browser window.)

The department also has information about keeping reptiles as pets.