Image: Wildlife Rescue Australia
Snakes and Lizards – Safety and Rescue Guide
Unless a snake poses a danger to humans or animals, or is in danger itself, it is best left alone.
🧐 If You See a Snake:
- Keep all people and pets well away (at least 4 metres)
- Do not try to catch, move, or touch it
🆘 If a Snake Poses a Threat or Is Injured:
- Contact the Wildlife Rescue hotline on 1300 596 457
- Watch the snake from a safe distance so a handler can locate it easily
- If the snake is inside a house, isolate it by closing doors and placing towels along the bottom to block exits
🚑 If a Person is Bitten:
- Call 000 for an ambulance immediately
- Treat the bite by following these instructions
🐾 If a Pet is Bitten:
- Immobilise the pet and keep it as quiet and calm as possible
- Take it to a veterinarian as quickly as possible
- Call the vet en route to let them know you’re coming
- Further information on snake bites to pets can be found here
🦎 About Snakes and Lizards
Australia is home to over 140 species of snakes and a wide variety of lizards including skinks, geckos, and monitor lizards. While many snakes are venomous, most are shy and avoid confrontation. Lizards are harmless and essential for natural insect control.
🧐 When People Encounter Snakes or Lizards
Common scenarios include:
- Reptiles found in backyards, garages, or inside homes
- Injuries from car strikes or pet attacks
- Disoriented reptiles after floods, heatwaves, or fires
🛑 What To Do
- Do not attempt to handle or capture the reptile
- Keep a safe distance and remove children or pets from the area
- If indoors, isolate the reptile by closing doors and using towels to block door gaps
- Call Wildlife Rescue Australia on 1300 596 457 or a licensed snake catcher
⚠️ Important to Know
- Snakes are protected species and are vital for controlling rodent populations
- Lizards are beneficial to gardens, feeding on beetles, ants, and other pests
🌱 Why This Matters
Understanding and respecting reptiles helps reduce fear and promotes biodiversity. Every safe rescue or informed decision supports Australia’s rich ecological balance.
🔍 References:
Hunter Wildlife Rescue. (n.d.). Snakes. Retrieved from: https://www.hunterwildlife.org.au/rescue-advice/snakes/Unless a snake poses a danger to humans or animals, or is in danger itself, it is best left alone.
Wildlife Rescue Australia. (n.d.). Living with Snakes. Retrieved from: https://wildliferescue.net.au/help-snakes/
