{"id":360536,"date":"2025-12-20T13:52:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T13:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/360536\/"},"modified":"2025-12-20T13:52:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T13:52:13","slug":"snake-expert-the-illegal-mistake-getting-australians-bitten","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/360536\/","title":{"rendered":"Snake Expert: The Illegal Mistake Getting Australians Bitten"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spotting a snake in your backyard can be a scary sight for some, especially if you have kids or pets.<\/p>\n

While your instincts might be to take matters into your own hands, a snake catcher reveals the biggest mistake you can make when you spot a snake in your backyard.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is it illegal to kill snakes in Australia?<\/p>\n

Bronte Hillen is a snake catcher<\/a> who runs a snake and reptile relocation service in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter region. She says when people spot a snake in their backyard, they usually react out of fear and try to take matters into their own hands.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople react immediately out of fear. This can result in the illegal killing of a native species (snakes are protected by law),\u201d says Bronte. \u201cOr they try to handle the snake themselves, whether it be out of inexperienced \u2018bravery\u2019. Or maybe they have owned snakes before.\u201d<\/p>\n

She goes on to explain that many people don\u2019t realise it\u2019s against the law to try to catch a snake (like the Biodiversity Conservation Act in NSW<\/a>, Nature Conservation Act in QLD<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Not only could you be hit with a fine, but trying to catch a snake yourself increases your chances of being bitten.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Why do we need snakes?<\/p>\n

Snakes are essential for the environment, helping control pests like rodents.<\/p>\n

In a recent Facebook post,<\/a> Bronte says, \u201cremove all snakes, and you would see the most disgusting boom in rodents\u2026. I\u2019d prefer snakes, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Should I run if I see a snake?<\/p>\n

Snakes and other wildlife are increasingly being displaced by urbanisation, which is why we are seeing more snakes in Aussie backyards<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you do see a snake, there\u2019s a good chance it doesn\u2019t want to be there either, and if you give it a minute, it will move on.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bronte says if you are unsure or feel uneasy with the wait-and-see approach, call a licensed snake catcher for advice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIf someone is unsure, then they should always call a snake catcher ASAP. A good snake catcher will offer education and advice before rushing in.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMost snakes, it\u2019s fine to wait for them to move on, but people have kids or pets they don\u2019t want near snakes, which is understandable.\u201d<\/p>\n

The same advice applies if you happen to spot a snake staring at you. The snake is probably just as terrified to be seeing you as you are of it. Importantly, don\u2019t run. Sudden movements and panic reactions are actually what get people into trouble.<\/p>\n

What to do right now<\/p>\n

Save a local snake catcher\u2019s number in your phone<\/p>\n

Walk your property and remove the top three things that attract snakes<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Check for gaps under doors and sheds this weekend.<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Profile\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWriter
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLivia Gamble\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tSenior Digital Content Producer\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

With a Bachelor\u2019s degree in communications and over a decade of industry experience, Livia is a seasoned content producer and editor who has a knack for crafting articles brimming with helpful information you never knew you needed (but you do). She has covered various topics, from home decor and gardening to health and wellness, showcasing her versatility and expertise. Livia’s writing has been featured in publications such as the lifestyle section of the Sydney Morning Herald. Additionally, she has worked as a content editor for various parenting and lifestyle brands, including Babyology and Essential Kids. When she isn\u2019t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found crocheting ponchos and attempting to master the perfect homemade pizza dough.<\/p>\n

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