Australia has around 140 species of land snake, and around 32 species of sea snakes. 100 of these are venomous, and only 12 can inflict a wound that could kill you.
If you hear a soft slithering in the ceiling, chances are a python or tree snake has taken up residence in your roof. There are 15 species of python in Australia, making up a quarter of all the snakes that live here. Pythons are probably the most commonly seen snake in suburban backyards, the most familiar being the Carpet Python in Queensland and the Diamond Python in eastern NSW and Victoria. Summer is python breeding time, …
The Children's Python does not eat children – it gets its name from the scientist who first described them in 1842, John George Children, the curator of the British Museum's zoological collection at the time of the discovery. It is the common name given to 4 species of native Australian pythons. They live in northern and central Australia and have also been spotted in northern NSW and northern South Australia. This python bu…
The Diamond Python is found all along the New South Wales coastline down into the north-eastern corner of Victoria. They are frequently spotted in Sydney suburbs that border on bushland. But like all pythons, these snakes are non-venomous. They become most active in November, looking for mates and laying eggs. The male Diamond Python will travel up to 500m a day, following a scent trail left by a female when she is ready to fi…
The Green or Common Tree Snake is one of the most commonly seen snakes in suburban backyards, parks, and even inner city gardens. It lives in northern and eastern Australia. Green Tree Snakes have no fangs and no venom. They are very reluctant to bite and would rather slither away. If provoked, a Green Tree Snake will rise up, inflate its throat and body, and make a stink from its anal glands - so best not to get too close. Lo…
If you see something long, thin and slithery in the backyard, walk away from it slowly. Not all snakes are venomous and some lizards look like snakes at first glance but it's better to be safe than sorry, You are most likely to see a snake during spring, when males are looking for a mate. Most snakes spend the winter months hibernating and they are often found curled up in sheds or garages, under piles of logs and stacks of fi…
