Snakes
RESCUE ADVICE
If you encounter an injured or displaced snake
Observe from a safe distance
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Keep a safe distance from the reptile. Most healthy snakes will move away if left undisturbed.
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Do not attempt to handle the animal unless you are trained and equipped to do so.
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If possible, take note of the animals colour, size, and markings.
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Knowing the species can help wildlife rescuers provide better assistance.
Keep others safe
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Warn others in the vicinity about the presence of the reptile.
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Ensure children and pets are kept at a safe distance.
Call for assistance:
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If the snake is injured, or is an immediate risk to humans (i.e. trapped in the house), contact Hunter Wildlife Rescue immediately.
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Provide as much information as possible, including the location, species (if known), and any observed behaviour.
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It is critically important to keep the animal in direct sight until a rescuer arrives.
SEA SNAKES
If you encounter an injured or displaced snake
Observe from a safe distance
-
Keep a safe distance from the reptile. Most healthy snakes will move away if left undisturbed.
-
Do not attempt to handle the animal unless you are trained and equipped to do so.
-
If possible, take note of the animals colour, size, and markings.
-
Knowing the species can help wildlife rescuers provide better assistance.
Keep others safe
-
Warn others in the vicinity about the presence of the reptile.
-
Ensure children and pets are kept at a safe distance.
Call for assistance:
-
If the snake is injured, or is an immediate risk to humans (i.e. in a busy bathing area), contact us immediately.
-
Provide as much information as possible, including the location, species (if known), and any observed behaviour.
-
It is critically important to keep the animal in direct sight until a rescuer arrives.
​
Common species in the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Region is home to a wide variety of snakes, but the most common species that come into care include:
Diamond Python
NON VENOMOUS
The Diamond Python has small cream diamond shape on most scales, some forming a rosette pattern along the length of the snake. If you have a python living in your roof you will never have a mouse or rat problem as these are their favourite foods.
Green Tree Snake
NON VENOMOUS
The Green Tree Snake is not venomous – they can still bite though – and can range from a green colour to caramel brown with blue flecks showing between each scale. They have a bright yellow throat and belly; and are a very slender snake with a very thin tail. Tree snakes are attracted to frog ponds and cool thick vegetation that is good habitat for frogs because that is their favourite food.
Brown Tree Snake
NON VENOMOUS
The Brown Tree Snake is similar but has very large brown bulgy eyes and a very narrow neck and has more pattern on their body scales.
Red-bellied Black Snake
VENOMOUS
The most common poisonous snake to appear in gardens is the Red-bellied Black Snake. They particularly like swampy and wet areas, especially if you have a pond or a dam and frogs in the area. Many Red-Bellied Black snakes are attracted to ponds and swimming pools during hot summer months as they require water to soften their outer skin when they are ready to slough (peel or rub) it off. This is how they grow. Their outer skin actually gets too tight and they have a new skin underneath that is bigger.
Brown Snake
VENOMOUS
The other poisonous (highly poisonous) snake that turns up is the Brown Snake. Even little brown snakes are very poisonous. Juvenile brown snakes 20cms and up to 40/50 cms have a black head and a black collar and usually have bands across their body as well.
Yellow-faced Whipsnake
NON VENOMOUS
Yellow-faced Whipsnake grows to about 80 to 100 cms. It is very long and thin, with a small white patch in front of and behind its eyes and it moves very quickly.
Marsh Snake
NON VENOMOUS
Marsh Snake 40 cms. Dark coloured with pale white stripes on upper lip and behind the eye.
Red-naped Snake
NON VENOMOUS
Red-naped Snake 45 cms - harmless with a red patch on head.
Golden Crowned Snake
NON VENOMOUS
Golden Crowned Snake 40 cms – has a gold crown pattern on its head and is a dark brown colour.
Protection of native animals
All native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, but not including dingoes, are protected in NSW by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Hunter Wildlife Rescue acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices and operations are located, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
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