12/05/2026
Good day all,
Amour Renard here from Riverina Reptile Relocation. I'd like to remind everyone to keep safe as we approach the cooler weather. Many are assuming snakes have gone away for the winter brumation, though it's not quite accurate.
Here's a few tips as well as facts regarding the current weather, the why, what you should do to keep safe.
1. Snakes can come out for a-bit of sun in temperatures as little as 14⁰c.
This can occur even in the winter, though we haven't hit consistent cooler temperatures as of yet. While most of our adult population has gone away, they're simply not as active, though still active while ever we have these warm temperatures.
2. Longer warm weather due to the El Nino.
Due to the fact we are currently in this weather pattern, our summers, springs and Autumns are warmer which is why snakes haven't gone away just yet. Many people assume that being in May snake season is over, though these weather patterns play a far more important part than many people realise.
So, what can you do to keep safe and understand when snakes might be out and about?
1. This time of year many people are cleaning their sheds, garages and other areas out in preparation for the winter. Keep an eye out for any visitors, and if it's a warm day, this is especially so.
2. If we've had a run of a few cooler day and night cycles, you'll find when we get a change to warmer days like the last few that snakes also notice this and come out to eat and get some sun. Plan your actions accordingly with your cleaning, as well as being outdoors.
3. If you do come across a snake, there's mo reason to harm it nor fear it. The snake is just as scared of you, as you are of it. Unless you're in striking range, simply leave the area carefully and more than likely seeing it's been spotted will also take off. However, if you wish for the snake to be removed then do not leave the area. Simply keep watch from a safe location. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your eyes on the snake. This means I have a far higher chance at removing the snake for you.
4. Don't slack off outdoors when gardening, bush walking or for the tradies out there with your PPE gear. More often than not, snakes pop up in places we least expect them to be and when we're not expecting them. You wouldn't believe the variety of places I've caught snakes from over the years.
5. What should you do if bitten or suspect you have? The most common snake you're likely to encounter is the Eastern Brown which has tiny 2.8mm fangs at best. Most people expect a bite to be felt, or even be painful. You may not feel anything at all, no sign of a bite can occur at the bite site. There's no written rule 100% of the time. It can even feel like a 'bump' and a snake moves off. If you've been bitten or feel a bump and suspect you may be, it's important to treat it like a potential bite. Don't panic, keep yourself calm and avoid moving around including playing with your phone. Thousands are bitten each year by venomous snakes in Australia each year and less than 5 people die from those bites. Your chance of survival is high, especially if you apply a SMART bandage and follow the advice I've written above.
6. When will the snakes finally go away to brumate (less active not like hibernation which is total isolation)?
When temperatures on a daily basis on average are not as warm. There needs to be motivation for a snake to come be out. Food is that motivation, and when we have minus temperatures at night and cool days then snakes are unable to digest their meals as they are thermo-regulated (not cold blooded). Snakes that cannot digest their meals will not be able to digest the meal and will regurgitate it to protect themselves otherwise it will rot and cause their demise. Snakes live a simple life. Heat, eat and mate.
7. I've heard snakes don't come out in winter as it's too cold. Is this true? No, not at all. During the winter they may come out on an especially warm day just to warm up as living under a rock, log or down a rabbit hole isn't the warmest experience. While this doesn't happen regularly, it still may occur once or twice a month depending on the weather.
8. What can I do to keep my pets safe from snakes? There are trainers out there that teach snake avoidance training which basically means your dog's are taught to when they see a snake to understand this is a high threat to their safety and to leave it alone. Snakes have no interest in your pet's though unfortunately I come across many situations where the pet's have an interest in the snake. Feel free to contact me if you wish to know more regarding this.
9. Understand while every snake has the potential to pose a danger to us, as a species they are not dangerous. Meaning they do not have any intent to harm us so long as we don't pose a threat to them. Rather than reach for something to harm it (95% of all snake bites occur this way) reach for the phone to have it relocated should it not be in a position to move on of it's own accord. Not every snake needs relocating, and many are just passing through.
10. Finally we come to babies. Understand that there are many myths and falsehoods surround baby snakes. I hear that 'they're not as venomous as adult snakes' also 'they aren't really venomous until they're older'. Another I hear is 'they can't regulate their venom'.
A) Baby snakes of all species are just as venomous as their adult counterparts, though their venom output is smaller. Don't underestimate their capabilities as they are still quite deadly.
B) Baby snakes are able to inflict a venomous bite from the moment they exit from their egg (in oviparous species meaning those that lay eggs such as the Eastern Brown Snake) and ovoviparous for those that give live birth such as Tiger Snakes, Red belly black snakes. Treat any baby snake with the same caution and first aid you would with an adult.
C) Most definitely venomous snakes can control their venom output. While I'm unsure as to where and how this myth got started, I can assure you it's simply that, a myth. It can take up to a few weeks for a snake to regain their venom back, and babies like to feed regularly (at least once a week). So it makes no sense at all that all their venom would go into a bite of a human, prey or other threat only to have to feed once a month due to lack of venom.
If you do have a snake you need relocated simply call me on 0421449451. I operate 24/7.
