Australia is home to a large number of various species of snakes. As the weather warms up in spring and summer, snakes come out of to bask in the sunlight, find food, and find a mate. They can pose a potential risk to people and their pets but they are also an integral part of the natural environment and play an important role in wildlife ecosystems.
What to do if you see a snake
If you find a snake in your home or garden:
Do not approach the snake – most snakebites occur when people try to catch and kill them.
Keep pets away from the area – dogs and cats may be curious or aggressive towards snakes.
Watch it from a safe vantage point – ideally watch it from an elevated platform.
Contact a qualified person to remove the snake – if possible, have somebody else make the phone call, rather than the person keeping an eye on the snake. The Rangers are unable to relocate snakes.
Discouraging snakes – snakes are attracted to areas because they are looking for food and habitat. By decreasing their availability, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of snakes entering the area around your house.
If you see a snake in a City-owned park, sporting reserve or playground we will arrange their relocation to the nearest suitable habitat. To report sightings please contact Ranger Services on 9394 5000.
Snake Removal Contacts
If you find a snake in your garden or a house, please contact one of the local snake handlers below:
Frontline Snake Removal
| 0432 200 689
|
Camillo Reptile Removal
| 0457 329 427
|
Peter (Byford)
| 0408 956 234
|
Armadale Reptile Park
| 9399 6927
|
Call-Out Fees
Snake removal services may charge a call-out fee or accept donations to cover travel costs. Residents are encouraged to contact their chosen service provider directly to confirm any associated costs or contributions prior to booking a call-out. Supporting these services helps ensure their continued availability to the community.
First Aid for snake bites
Snake bites are not common in Australia, but all should be treated as life threatening. Snakes force venom out under pressure through fangs in the upper jaw. The spread of snake venom depends on its absorption through the lymphatic system. St Johns advise you:
Follow DRSABCD St John WA Action Plan
Urgent medical aid. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Ensure the casualty does not move.
Lay the casualty down, rest and reassure.
If the bite is on a limb, apply a broad pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible.
Then apply a further elasticised or firm bandage - start at fingers or toes and move up the limb as far as can be reached. Apply tightly but without stopping blood flow.
Splint the limb including the joints on either side of the bite.
Write down the time that the casualty was bitten and when the bandage was applied.
If the casualty becomes unconscious and not breathing normally, Commence CPR and Defibrillation.
For a full first aid fact sheet on treating snake bites please visit St John WA - Snake Bites
