Leslie Massey
Australia is known for its snakes, with approximately 140 species of land snakes and 32 species of sea snakes. All native wildlife in Australia is protected by law, and it is illegal to capture, harm or kill snakes unless there is a threat to human life. In Western Australia, the regulation of wildlife falls under the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. While killing snakes is legal on most urban properties, it may be illegal in rural areas, and wildlife experts advise against it. Snake bites are rare, and usually only occur when a person is attempting to catch or kill a snake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are snakes protected in Western Australia? | Snakes are protected fauna under the Wildlife Conservation Act. It is illegal to kill them unless there is an imminent danger to life. |
| Are there any exceptions to the rule? | Yes, if a person fears for their life or the lives of their children or pets, they may kill a snake. However, this is only allowed on private property or in public spaces, not on nature reserves. |
| What are the penalties for killing a snake? | Killing a snake can result in heavy penalties, including fines or jail time. In the Northern Territory, for example, the maximum penalty is a $77,000 fine or up to five years in prison. |
| Are there any other considerations? | While prosecutions for killing snakes are rare, wildlife experts advise against it as it puts individuals at risk of severe illness and death. Additionally, most people bitten by snakes in Australia were attempting to catch or kill the snake. |
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What You'll Learn
- Killing snakes is illegal in Western Australia unless you are in imminent danger
- Some WA residents kill snakes out of fear, despite the legal risk
- Snake species prevalent in Western Australia include Tiger snakes, Dugites, and Western Brown snakes
- Native reptiles in Australia are protected by law and cannot be kept as pets
- WA's wildlife is regulated by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Killing snakes is illegal in Western Australia unless you are in imminent danger
Killing snakes is generally illegal in Western Australia, as all native wildlife is protected by law. The Wildlife Conservation Act, the Territory Parks and Conservation Act, and the Nature Conservation Act 1980 all prohibit the killing of snakes. However, there are exemptions to these laws if a person is facing imminent danger or feels threatened by a snake. In such cases, individuals may be allowed to take matters into their own hands to protect themselves or their pets.
Despite the legal risk, some people in Western Australia choose to kill snakes, particularly during the hotter months. This is reflected in social media posts depicting people holding decapitated snakes. While prosecutions for snake killings are rare, wildlife experts caution against this practice as it puts individuals at risk of severe illness, death, or legal consequences. The maximum penalty for killing a snake in the Northern Territory, for instance, can be up to five years in prison or a $77,000 fine.
It is important to understand that snakes typically exhibit timid behaviour and prefer to hide when confronted. They are attracted to certain environments due to the availability of food and their preference for regulating their body temperature. However, snakes do not actively seek out human interaction and will only respond defensively when constrained or threatened. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a snake catcher or wildlife expert for assistance rather than attempting to handle or kill a snake.
While the likelihood of conviction for killing a snake out of self-preservation is acknowledged to be small, it is still essential to prioritize personal safety above all else. If you encounter a snake and feel threatened, it is recommended to remove yourself from the immediate vicinity and seek professional help. By doing so, you can maintain your well-being while also respecting the legal protections in place for snakes as part of Australia's native wildlife.
In summary, killing snakes is generally illegal in Western Australia, but exceptions are made when individuals are facing imminent danger. The presence of protective legislation for snakes underscores the importance of respecting these creatures and prioritizing human safety in potentially threatening situations.
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Some WA residents kill snakes out of fear, despite the legal risk
Western Australia is home to a variety of snakes, including the Dugite, Tiger snake, and the Western Brown snake. While snakes are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act, some WA residents choose to kill them out of fear for their safety, which is a clause permitted by the law. However, it is important to note that killing snakes is generally illegal and should only be done as a last resort.
Snake expert Dr. Mitchell Ladyman acknowledges that while snakes are protected, he understands why people would kill them if they felt threatened. He states, "I'm not a naive person, if someone was genuinely threatened, I would fully support that snake being dispatched... I think it's reasonable, if you're in your home and you or your children or even your pets are immediately threatened by a snake and you fear for your safety. It's unfortunate, but it's life."
Despite this, DPAW wildlife officer Emma Lipianin urges people to remember that "snakes are protected fauna... they're all protected so it is illegal to kill them." She emphasizes that the "open season" status, which allows people to kill snakes if they feel immediately threatened, should only be used as a last resort. Lipianin points out that most snake bite victims are bitten when trying to kill the reptile.
It is worth noting that snakes are not always aggressive and will usually try to hide when confronted. They are also ectothermic, meaning they use external heat to charge and power their bodies. As a result, they are active during a range of temperatures and seasons, so people should be cautious and aware of their presence at all times.
While it is understandable that some WA residents may feel the need to kill snakes out of fear for their safety, it is important to remember that snakes are protected and killing them is generally illegal. People should only resort to killing snakes if they feel immediately threatened and have no other options.
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Snake species prevalent in Western Australia include Tiger snakes, Dugites, and Western Brown snakes
Tiger snakes, Dugites, and Western Brown snakes are among the most prevalent snake species in Western Australia. All native Australian wildlife is protected by law, and it is illegal to capture, harm, or kill snakes in most jurisdictions unless one's life is in imminent danger.
Tiger snakes are large, highly venomous snakes found in the coastal regions of southern Western Australia. They are identified by their banding, black and yellow like a tiger, though they exhibit wide variation in colour and patterning. They favour wetlands, creeks, dams, and other habitats near water sources. They are ground-dwelling but can also climb trees and buildings. Their venom contains potent neurotoxins, coagulants, haemolysins, and myotoxins, and their bites can be fatal if left untreated.
Dugites are highly venomous and potentially lethal snakes endemic to Western Australia. They are found in the southern parts, including the metropolitan areas of Perth, and some coastal parts of western South Australia. They can grow up to 2 metres in length and are coloured grey, green, or brown. Dugites are known to be dangerous, and their venom is potentially one of the most lethal in the world.
Western Brown Snakes are widespread and found in various habitats, including grassland, shrubland, savannah woodland, and dry sclerophyll forest. They are also common in pastoral areas and take shelter under any available ground cover, natural or man-made. They feed on a variety of vertebrate prey, including lizards, other snakes, birds, and small mammals. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females being more slender and "fiery" compared to males of similar length.
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Native reptiles in Australia are protected by law and cannot be kept as pets
Australia is known for its snakes, with approximately 140 types of land snakes and 32 types of sea snakes. While snakes are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act, there is a clause that allows a person to take action if they feel their life is threatened by a snake. However, native reptiles in Australia are protected by law, and it is illegal to capture and keep them as pets.
In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to capture, harm, or kill snakes unless one is in imminent danger. All native reptiles are protected, and it is illegal to keep exotic (non-Australian) reptiles in captivity. Native reptiles that can be kept as pets are classed as R1, R2, R3, R4, and/or R5, and a biodiversity conservation licence is required. This licence is granted under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (National Parks and Wildlife Service). The type of licence depends on the number of animals and the difficulty of keeping them.
In Western Australia, the regulation of wildlife, including reptiles, falls under the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions. In the Northern Territory and most of Australia, a permit is required to keep reptiles in captivity. In Tasmania, reptiles and amphibians are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Act 1995, with some exceptions for frog eggs and tadpoles.
In Victoria, there are four licence types for keeping wildlife, including reptiles, as pets. In South Australia, a permit is required to keep native animals in captivity, and similar regulations are in place in New South Wales. It is important to note that keeping reptiles as pets requires knowledge of their health requirements and proper care to ensure their well-being.
While some people may keep captive-bred wild animals, such as reptiles, as pets, it is illegal to capture and remove native reptiles from the wild or release them if they are no longer wanted. Taking animals from the wild can lead to local extinctions, and released animals may spread diseases or suffer from starvation and predation. Therefore, native reptiles in Australia are protected by law, and specific licences and permits are required to keep them as pets, ensuring their conservation and welfare.
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WA's wildlife is regulated by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Western Australia is home to many species of snakes, including the Dugite, Tiger snake, and the Western brown snake, also known as the Gwardar. While snakes are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act, it is not uncommon for residents to kill snakes if they feel threatened. In fact, under the Act, there is a clause that allows a person who fears for their life or the lives of their children or pets to take matters into their own hands. However, this does not apply to nature reserves.
The DBCA also manages several projects and initiatives to protect and conserve Western Australia's biodiversity. For example, the Parks and Wildlife Service, a part of the DBCA, is responsible for the Western Shield wildlife conservation project, a pest animal and weed control program covering 4 million hectares of conservation reserves and state forests. The DBCA also manages the Rottnest sustainability action plan, which sets short- and long-term sustainability goals for the island, which is one of Western Australia's most popular holiday destinations.
Furthermore, the DBCA offers opportunities for community involvement in bushland conservation through its Urban Nature program. The department also manages two long-distance trails: the 1,000 km Bibbulmun Track for walkers and the 1,000 km Munda Biddi Trail for mountain bikers. The work of the DBCA is supported by a large number of volunteers, with over 5,000 contributing significant hours to projects across the state.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, snakes are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act and the Territory Parks and Conservation Act. It is illegal to capture, harm or kill snakes.
No, it is illegal to keep exotic (non-Australian) reptiles as pets. All native reptiles are protected by law and cannot be taken from the wild and kept as pets.
If a snake poses imminent danger to you or your pets, you are allowed to take matters into your own hands. However, wildlife experts advise against killing snakes as it may result in severe illness or death.
If you encounter a snake, do not attempt to catch or kill it. Contact your local snake catcher or wildlife authority for assistance.
