Spring is just around the corner, and that means one thing every NSW backyard owner should be ready for: snakes are about to get a lot more active. If you've spotted one sunning itself near the garden shed or slipping through the back fence, don't panic - here's exactly what to do, what not to do, and who to call.
Why Snakes Turn Up More From Now On
Snake activity picks up sharply once the weather warms, and after a wet or humid patch of storms. Flooding and heavy rain push snakes out of their usual hiding spots and into gardens, sheds and even pool areas looking for dry ground. Then as spring properly kicks in, male snakes start actively searching for mates, which means more movement and more sightings across the eastern states - Sydney and the Hills District included.
None of this means your yard is unusually snake-prone. It just means late winter through summer is peak season, and it pays to know the drill before you're standing face to face with one.
What To Do If You See One
Keep your distance. This is the single most important rule. The vast majority of snake bites happen when someone tries to move, catch or kill a snake themselves. A snake that isn't cornered or threatened will almost always leave on its own - it wants to get away from you just as much as you want it gone.
Get kids and pets inside. Snakes are naturally shy of loud noises and movement, so the quickest way to resolve most encounters is simply removing the audience. Call your dog or cat inside, keep an eye on where the snake is heading, and give it space to move off.
Don't try to relocate it yourself. Even experienced reptile keepers leave wild snake removal to licensed professionals. It's not just about safety - in NSW, snakes are a protected species under the Biodiversity Conservation Act, and there are serious fines for killing or injuring one, even if you feel threatened.
If the Snake Sticks Around
If the snake isn't moving on and is somewhere it genuinely can't stay - inside a garage, near a back door, or in a spot kids or pets pass through daily - it's time to call in a professional catcher rather than wait it out.
| Contact | Number | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| WIRES Rescue Hotline | 1300 094 737 | 24/7 wildlife rescue advice and snake catcher referrals |
| Sydney Wildlife Rescue | (02) 9413 4300 | Sydney metro snake and wildlife rescues, 24/7 |
| NSW Environment Line | 1300 361 967 (within NSW) | General enquiries and licensed handler information |
| NSW Licensed Reptile Handlers List | - | Find a licensed catch-and-release handler in your area |
While you wait, keep the snake in sight from a safe distance if you can do so without approaching it - it makes a huge difference to how quickly a handler can locate and catch it once they arrive.
Snake-Proofing Your Yard for the Season Ahead
You can't snake-proof a yard completely, but a few habits make your place a lot less appealing to visit.
Keep grass and garden beds trimmed short, especially along fence lines, since long grass is prime cover. Clear away piles of timber, bricks, sheet metal or leaf litter where snakes like to shelter, and store firewood off the ground and away from the house. If you keep chickens, guinea pigs or other small pets in outdoor hutches, make sure enclosures are fully secured with no gaps at ground level, and don't leave pet food or water bowls sitting out overnight - they attract the rodents that snakes hunt.
If Your Pet Is Bitten
A snakebite in a dog or cat is always a vet emergency, even if your pet seems fine afterwards. Don't try to treat it yourself or wait to see if symptoms develop - get to a vet immediately, and call ahead so they can prepare antivenom if needed. Every minute counts here, so this isn't one to manage with home remedies or a "wait and see" approach.
The Bottom Line
Seeing a snake in the yard is unsettling, but it's rarely dangerous if you keep your distance, keep pets and kids clear, and let a licensed handler take it from there. Save the numbers above somewhere handy before snake season properly ramps up, and if you've got questions about keeping your own pets safe this spring, our team in-store is always happy to help.
