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Snakes
TERRITORY SNAKE CATCHING SERVICES
Snake Call Out (Darwin to Noonamah) 1800 453 210
Chris Peberdy, Reptile Wrangler* (Darwin and rural areas) 0409 326 307
Reedy’s Reptiles (Katherine and Tindal) 0407 924 252
Alice Springs Reptile Centre (Alice Springs) 0407 983 276
*denotes this is a voluntary non contracted service
Are there Dangerous snakes in Darwin?
There
are several snakes in the Darwin area which pose a serious risk to
humans if bitten; the King Brown, Western Brown and Death Adder.
The Western Brown is most commonly encountered in suburban Darwin where the Death Adder is mainly encountered in the rural areas.
The King Brown or Mulga snake was once the largest venomous snake found in the Darwin region, however is now very rarely encountered as it is suffering from the introduction of the Cane Toad.
Contrary
to urban myth Coastal Taipans are few and far between in the Top End
with only a handful ever caught in the outskirts of Darwin.
See all common snakes
How do I reduce the chances of a snake entering my yard or house?
- Control any mice and rats living in or around your house.
- Remove hiding places such as rubbish piles and building materials.
- Remove food sources that attract rats and mice such as grain and pet food.
- Exclude snakes from entering your house by blocking access holes into ceiling space and using weather stripping on doors and windows.
- Maintain a clear belt around your house free of shrubbery, debris and long grass.
- Keep your garden neat and tidy; if you have compost heaps or wood piles keep them well away from your house.
Remember having birds in cages or large fish ponds will increase the likelihood of snakes coming into your yard looking for food or water.
Many people who have moved to the Top End live in areas of natural bushland and must remember that snakes are just as much a part of the native terrain as possums, frogs or birds.
What time of year are snakes active?
Snakes are a natural occurrence in the Territory and often slither into homes and back yards during the warmer months (September to April). Although they can be found all year round as they don’t hibernate like snakes in the southern states.
What should I do if I see a snake?
If you see a snake and wish for it to be removed you need to watch it from a safe distance (at least several metres) and contact a licensed snake catcher.
Most people who are bitten by snakes are trying to kill it or catch it, so you should never attempt to catch or kill a snake.
What should I do if I get bitten?
- Apply a firm broad pressure bandage to the bite site and extend to the rest of the limb. (Don’t remove clothing if covering the limb, just bandage over the top if it).
- If possible use several bandages about as tight as for a sprained ankle.
- The casualty should be kept very still and the limb should be immobilised by using a splint.
- Reassure the casualty and call 000 for an Ambulance.
We recommend that anyone who works, lives or visits areas where they may come into contact with snakes should have a well stocked first aid kit and attend a recognized First Aid training course.
How can I avoid getting bitten?
- Wear long pants.
- Wear solid covered in footwear.
- Wear good leather or big skin gloves when working in the garden.
- Use a torch when moving around in the garden at night.
- Never touch or pick up a snake even if you think its dead.
Can I keep a snake I found in the garden as a pet?
No, all reptiles in the Northern Territory are protected and snakes can not be taken from the wild and kept as pets unless you have a permit to do so.
What is the most common snake found in gardens?
The most commonly encountered snakes are the Carpet python, Water python, Common Tree Snake and the Slaty-grey snake. See all common snakes