Did you know that snakes don't hibernate during the cooler months? Instead, they enter a period of slowed activity called brumation, seeking out warm and safe hiding spots where their metabolism slows down.
As temperatures rise in spring, snakes become more active, often spotted in parks, reserves, creeks, and wetlands, hunting for prey like small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards.
We share the environment with snakes and these slithery animals play a crucial role in our ecosystem - they are a natural pest controller of rodents and also serve as a food source for birds of prey like kookaburras.
If you spot a snake:
- stay calm and stand still
- do not approach or attempt to catch the snake
- move away slowly
- keep children and pets away.
Snakes want to be left alone, but will defend themselves if they feel threatened, so remember to stay calm and keep a safe distance to ensure your safety.
Leave the snake alone and don't block any escape routes to allow the snake to move to a safe hiding place. Protected under Victoria's Wildlife Act, it is illegal to interfere with, harm, or kill snakes.
Parks and reserves are snake habitats. To be as safe as possible, please don't walk in long grass, instead stick to paths and keep pets on leads at all times. There may be multiple snakes in an area, especially around waterways and wetlands, so be alert around these places.
If you spot a snake on Council maintained land, contact us on 9205 2200.
