Staying safe around snakes
Hume is home to the Eastern Brown Snake, Red-bellied Black Snake and the Eastern Tiger Snake. Snakes become active in spring through to autumn, and will often seek warm places to sunbake, particularly along waterways, in parks and reserves, and sometimes in backyards with dense shrubs, tree hollows and long grass. For more information, read the Living with Wildlife - Snakes factsheet(PDF, 2MB).
When walking in known snake areas, wear long pants or clothing, covered shoes and stay on paths.
What to do if you see a snake in a public area or your property
- Stay calm, do not panic. If you stand still the snake is not likely to hurt you
- Do not approach or attempt to catch or kill the snake
- When safe to do so calmly move away from the snake to a safe distance and keep it under observation
- Keep children, pets and others away from the area containing the snake
While snake bites are rare, they do pose a serious health risk if the species is venomous. If you have been bitten by a snake call 000 immediately for emergency assistance and advice over the phone while an Ambulance is dispatched. If someone has been bitten by a snake administer First Aid when safe to do so.
Snakes can be a problem for your pets, but usually only if the pet attacks first. Anti-venom is available from vets if pets do get bitten.
Snake relocation service
Throughout the year, Council engages a professional snake catcher to relocate snakes found on Council maintained land to suitable habitat nearby. Contact Customer Service via phone (not email) on 9205 2200 to report a snake on Council land.
If you do see a snake on Council maintained land, please remember to stay calm and move slowly away from the snake when safe to do so. If you see a snake around your private residence, stay calm, move slowly away from the snake when safe to do so and keep children, pets and others away from the area. If you would like to engage with a snake handler at your own expense, contacts are available online, or through existing business directories advertising animal control services.