A quick scroll through local snake catchers’ social media might make you think snakes are suddenly everywhere.
There have been eastern browns found mating in the open, a red-bellied black snake tucked behind a kitchen kickboard, and another brown hiding among unused materials in a suburban backyard.
And wildlife carer Summer Woolston has already had her first big eastern brown catch of the season.
But according to Summer, there hasn’t been an unusual spike in snake numbers. Rather, the warmer weather has brought on the usual seasonal increase in activity — with snake season generally running from late August through to March.
It’s also the beginning of breeding season, so residents may see male snakes competing for females, snakes mating, or females carrying eggs or live young.
So why are we seeing more snakes in our suburbs? Summer believes ongoing development may be playing a part.
As more bushland disappears, snakes are increasingly finding themselves living closer to people — and sometimes looking for shelter in our homes and gardens.
Hot, rainy and windy weather can also send snakes searching for somewhere cool, dry and protected. That could mean under the house, behind garden materials… or occasionally, inside your home.
Simple precautions can help: keep doors closed, check flyscreens for gaps, and remember that snakes can sometimes enter through doggy doors and cat flaps.
And if you see one? Stay calm. Stand back. Leave it alone.
Snakes generally want to escape rather than confront people. If you don’t want it relocated, give it space and allow it to move on. If it is somewhere it shouldn’t be, contact a licensed snake catcher.
Keeping lawns mown, gardens tidy, outdoor pet areas secure and reducing places where rodents can hide can also make your property less attractive to snakes.
Snakes are part of the Sunshine Coast too. They’re not looking to frighten us — they’re simply trying to survive.
Stay safe this snake season — and perhaps watch where you put your hands when clearing out the garden!
