With Spring the season of snakes, spiders (watch out for Redbacks) and swooping magpies, Sydney Olympic Park Ecologist Jennifer O’Meara said that while snake sightings could be unsettling, they were the sign of a healthy ecosystem.
“In this part of Sydney, we see mostly Red Bellied Black snakes which are venomous but very shy,” she said.
“There’s also the Blackish Blind snakes around here which look like large worms but these are harmless.”
Other sightings include the Eastern Brown, Common Tree snake and the Diamond Python as well as the Carpet Python which are not native and more likely introduced species.
Jennifer said the most important tip was for pedestrians and cyclists to watch where they’re going and if you do step on one or see one, walk away calmly.
Even if they see you first, some won’t get out of the way as they might be feeling sluggish as is the case with lizards so it’s important to keep your pet on a leash, supervise children and stay out of snake habitats – long grasses, log and rock piles and ponds – to avoid surprising them.
Maintaining yards by mowing grass often and clearing away “clippings, leaves and any other clutter where snakes may hide or breed” will also help.
If you suspect you have been bitten, phone 000 and seek medical help.
If you see a snake, report the location and its appearance via enquiries@sopa.nsw.gov.au.
