Frequently Asked Questions
If there is one snake, will there be more?
Though most snakes are solitary by nature, there are a select few species which have been noted to be considerably communal, and it’s not uncommon to find multiple specimens sharing a particular site. As a general rule, just because you have encountered one snake, does not necessarily mean there is another snake in your yard.
Why can’t I relocate a reptile myself if I’m willing to?
Since it’s considered to be a challenging and problematic task, it’s not recommended that the general public should attempt to relocate a reptile. While it may seem impractical to contact a licensed snake catcher, attempting to identify and capture a snake can quickly turn potentially life-threatening. In Queensland, all reptiles are protected, and without the correct licensing it is also illegal to interfere with them. There are many professionally trained and licensed snake catchers located within the Gold Coast, Logan & Scenic Rim who are willing to come and provide assistance to you.
How do I keep snakes out of my yard?
You can minimize the likelihood of having a snake in your yard this season by removing any loose timber, clippings and any other ground lying debris which could potentially create the perfect habitat for snakes. The presence of some small pets such as birds, guinea pigs, and rodents may also appear as a source of food for some of our local snakes. It’s advisable that their enclosures are located up off the ground and are regularly cleaned.
Snake-proof fencing is available from Bunnings and if applied correctly, can be an effective means of keeping some terrestrial snakes from entering your premises. However, there is no 100% guaranteed method of keeping your yard snake-free, as snakes are very capable of getting pretty much everywhere.
Snake Repellers are becoming more and more popular here on the Gold Coast. Unfortunately, they won’t ‘repel’ anything more than your worries, and provide you with nothing than a false sense of security. Snake repellers are designed to work by sending out vibrations into the ground throughout the day and night which in turn, is supposed to keep snakes away. Unfortunately, if your property provides a snake with its basic needs (food, water, shelter, warmth), vibrations won’t be enough to deter them.
Can only nonvenomous snakes climb?
No. Though the most frequently encountered climbing snakes do happen to be nonvenomous, there are many venomous snakes found here in on the Gold Coast which can climb. This includes the Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus) and Stephens Banded Snake (Hoplocephalus stephensii). It has been proven that even strictly terrestrial snakes such as the Eastern Brown Snake, can and will climb in the event of chasing prey / escaping however it is not regularly seen.
Are snakes protected?
In Queensland, all of our protected native fauna, including venomous snakes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. It is illegal in Queensland to catch and kill snakes and the penalties for doing so include hefty fines and jail time. Licensed Gold Coast snake catchers and wildlife rescue services running 24 hours can be found quite easily online or even on Facebook and should be contacted if you encounter a snake at home.
What can attract a snake to your property?
Snakes are quite primitive animals in a sense and rely heavily on their senses. One of the most common reasons for having a snake settle in your yard would be the presence of food. Whether it be small pets such as guinea pigs or a flourishing bird population in a tree, the strong scent of food is usually enough for snakes to move nearby.
Rock walls, compost piles, thick vegetation and ground lying debris all create the perfect habitat for snakes and allow them to live relatively undetected by people. The cavities within the walls and ceilings of our homes also provide the perfect shelter and are quite frequently where we encounter snakes. Carpet Pythons (Morelia spilota) and other arboreal, nocturnal snakes favour these places as they provide warmth and shelter from predators.
Are any Gold Coast snake catchers free?
No. Though the call out fee may vary amongst snake catchers, it’s necessary to charge a fee so that we are able to cover our own costs, and can continue providing our assistance within our community.
Are snakes faster than humans on land?
No. Though many snakes are known to move quite quickly, no snakes are able to outrun a human. The Black Mamba is considered the fastest moving snake in the world, travelling at up to 12km/hr, however even this is easily outrun. Though some snakes may display a bluff by moving towards a threat and striking, it’s very uncommon for a snake to commit to chasing you beyond that.
Which months of the year are snakes the most active here on the Gold Coast?
Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles and are not found to be overly active during the cooler months of the year because they are unable to regulate their body temperature. In South East Queensland, snakes and other reptiles are the most active between September and February as they seek food and a partner to breed with. This is the warmest time of the year and it’s also when many small animals like frogs can also be found active in good numbers.
How many venomous snakes are there on the Gold Coast / Logan / Scenic Rim?
Most species of snake which can be found here in South East Queensland are venomous, however, not all of them are known to be a significant medical concern. It’s recommended that all bites are treated as being venomous and dangerous until proven otherwise.
Can I kill a snake that is on my property?
No. All Queensland reptiles are protected by law and are considered an intricate part of our natural ecosystem. Attempting to catch or kill protected wildlife can be exceedingly dangerous, and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years behind bars, or a $77,000 fine.
Do snakes feel slimy?
No, snakes do not feel slimy. A snakes’ scales are made of keratin (the same material as our fingernails) and have a smooth and dry texture to touch.