Snakes in the environment and community safety

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Moreton Bay is home to 37 species of snake. The law protects all snakes in Australia. This means it is illegal to kill, injure, or take them from the wild.

Some lizards in Australia have evolved to be legless. They are often mistaken for snakes but are harmless.

Snakes are more active around spring and summer because of warmer temperatures.

How snakes help Moreton Bay’s ecosystems

Snakes maintain the balance of our natural environments by controlling rodent populations. While they cannot get rid of mice and rat infestations, they do contribute to the stability and structure of our ecosystems.

What to do if you find a snake on your property

Never handle a snake if you are not a trained handler.

Residents who find a snake within or near their home can contact a licensed snake catcher.

Council does not remove them from privately owned land.

How to deter snakes from your property

To avoid attracting snakes to your property you should:

  • dispose of piles of timber and other materials that provide ideal habitats for snakes
  • keep your lawn cut short and well-maintained
  • store grain and pet food in containers to avoid attracting mice which are a food source for snakes
  • trim overhanging trees to prevent them from entering your roof cavity.

How to avoid and treat a snake bite

Moreton Bay is home to several venomous snake species such as the:

  • eastern brown snake
  • red-bellied black snake
  • death adder
  • coastal taipan
  • tiger snake.

You may also come across carpet pythons and tree snakes, but they are not venomous.

They will rarely attack if allowed to retreat. When cornered or provoked, they may become defensive and strike to protect themselves. Many bites occur when people try to hurt or kill them. You can reduce your risk of being bitten by:

  • leaving them alone and letting them move on
  • wearing shoes and protective clothing while in your backyard or on Council-owned land
  • carrying a torch at night
  • being aware of where you are placing your feet.

If you or someone else is bitten, you should:

  • stay calm
  • move away from the snake
  • follow DRSABCD and attempt first aid
  • call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance
  • apply a pressure immobilisation bandage or constant, firm pressure.

Do not wash the bite area, cut the wound, or try to suck out the venom.

Snakes found on Council-owned land

Council does not remove snakes from natural settings such as footpaths, garden beds, waterways and bushland.

If a snake is on Council-owned land and is an immediate risk to public safety call Council on (07) 3205 0555.

This includes snakes found in or on playground equipment, toilet blocks, and picnic and barbecue areas.

Council may contact a licensed snake catcher to relocate the snake.

Related information

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