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Australia is home to the most venomous snakes in the world and has over 140 snake species, including 20 venomous ones. Snakes can be found almost everywhere in Australia, from tropical rainforests and arid deserts to suburban backyards and even offshore reefs. They are ectothermic, meaning they depend on external sources to stay warm and bask in the sun to reach their optimal body temperature. Due to Australia's large landmass, there are many different climates that influence the distribution and abundance of snakes, providing them with unique habitats. To find snakes in Australia, look in their preferred habitats such as rocky outcrops, wetlands, agricultural areas, and along rivers and lakes. However, always prioritize safety and seek medical treatment immediately if bitten by a snake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of snake species in Australia | 140, including 20 venomous species |
| Habitats | Tropical rainforests, arid deserts, suburban backyards, offshore reefs, bushland, wetlands, agricultural areas, rocky outcrops, along rivers and lakes, coastal areas, grasslands, eucalypt forests, open forests, sugar cane fields, grassy beach dunes, pastures, cane fields, mountains, and more |
| Climates | Equatorial, tropical, subtropical, desert, monsoonal, temperate, and alpine |
| Appearance | Striped markings, which change with seasons and age; range from uniform tan to grey or dark brown; cream, yellow, or pale orange belly with darker orange spots; slender, small-headed; rectangular and coffin-shaped head with a distinct neck; large eyes with reddish-copper iris and round pupils; tiny head and thin foreparts; olive to greyish with black flecks; triangular head and stout body; thin rat-like tail |
| Behavior | Bask in the sun to reach optimal body temperature (around 30 °C); more active when it's warm; emerge in spring and summer; hunt at night; become inactive in colder temperatures; feed on small lizards, mice, ground-dwelling birds, frogs, small fish, and other mammals; aggressive when provoked; alert and fast-moving |
| Notable species | Coastal Taipan, Inland Taipan, Common or Eastern Brown Snake, Common Tree Snake, White-lipped Snake, Eastern Tiger Snake, Common Death Adder, Amethystine Python, Mulga Snake |
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What You'll Learn
- Where to find snakes in Australia: in suburban backyards, bushland, wetlands, and along rivers and lakes?
- How to identify snakes: by their striped markings, coffin-shaped head, and distinct neck?
- What snakes like: sunbathing on rocks, hiding in crevices, and preying on small animals?
- When snakes are most active: during spring and summer, and when it's warm?
- Why you should avoid snakes: they're venomous, and their bites can be fatal?
Where to find snakes in Australia: in suburban backyards, bushland, wetlands, and along rivers and lakes
Australia is known for its dangerous snakes, but sightings are rare, and few people die from snake bites. The country's large landmass means that it experiences many different climates, from equatorial to alpine, which provide unique habitats for snakes.
Suburban backyards
Snakes are commonly found in suburban backyards, especially in outer suburban houses and farms. The common or eastern brown snake, for example, is found in the eastern half of Australia, including rural areas and the suburban peripheries of larger towns and cities. The tiger snake is another example of a snake that inhabits highly populated areas along the east coast, including metropolitan areas of Melbourne.
Bushland
Snakes are most common in rural bushland interspersed with agricultural areas. The Common Tree Snake, for example, is found in multiple provinces in Australia, including New South Wales. It is unique in that it stiffens in the shape of a beam to cross from branch to branch and hides among vines, blending well with its habitat.
Wetlands
Several species of snakes can be found in the grassy expanses surrounding wetlands and lakes in the wetter southwest region of the country. The spotted black snake, for example, is found in open forests, grasslands, and pasture areas, particularly near wetlands, including the Mount Crosby, Lockyer, and Brisbane valleys. The marsh snake is another example of a snake found in wetlands, rainforests, creeks, and wetlands in Brisbane.
Along rivers and lakes
Water snakes live in lakes, rivers, and ponds and are non-venomous. The Murray River, Australia's longest river, is home to many snakes, as are the Paroo River and Cooper Creek, which stretch from Queensland to South Australia. MacLeay's water snake is a largely nocturnal species found in coastal Northern Territory, mostly in freshwater lagoons, swamps, and creeks.
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How to identify snakes: by their striped markings, coffin-shaped head, and distinct neck
While there are no universal rules for identifying snakes, there are some key concepts and field marks that can help with snake identification in Australia. One of the simplest ways to identify snakes is by observing their key physical attributes, such as body type, head shape, eyes, scales, patterns, and colour.
Head shape can be a useful indicator when identifying snakes. Some snakes have a coffin-shaped head with a pronounced brow ridge, like the black mamba, a venomous snake species found in Africa. The head shape of other snakes may resemble a broad arrowhead or a spade, and some may have a distinct neck. The presence of a neck is a key field mark that can help distinguish snakes from legless lizards.
Snakes can also be identified by their striped markings or bands of colour. For example, copperheads have a pattern that has been described as "Hershey Kisses in chocolate milk". However, nature is complex, and patterns and colours can vary within a species depending on their range. For instance, copperheads in the western portion of their range tend to have broader Hershey Kisses patterns that lose their characteristic shape.
Additionally, the shape and structure of a snake's tail can be indicative of its species. For example, rattlesnakes typically have rattles on their tail tips, and non-venomous snakes usually have two rows of scales from the anal plate to the tail end. The tail shape, length, and pattern can also provide clues about the snake's species.
Other distinctive features, such as the size and arrangement of scales on the head and face, the presence of a long, two-pointed, forked tongue, and the shape and colour of the eyes, can also aid in snake identification.
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What snakes like: sunbathing on rocks, hiding in crevices, and preying on small animals
Snakes are cold-blooded and rely on external sources, such as the sun or warm air, to regulate their body temperature. They tend to become less active as the temperature drops. Therefore, snakes enjoy basking in the sun on rocks, which retain heat. Rocks also provide snakes with many crevices in which they can hide.
Snakes are commonly found in the garden, in scrub, or even in the garden shed. They can also find their way into your home through unsealed gaps and holes, such as those underneath refrigerators, in the back of dishwashers, or hanging from light fittings. They are attracted to the warmth and seek out cosy spots with potential sources of prey.
Inside the house, snakes may hide in various places, including underneath beds, behind desks, TV units, or bookshelves, and even in children's toy boxes. They are particularly drawn to kitchen areas, where they can find human food and potential prey, such as mice and rats. Snakes may also inhabit rooftop areas, as they are more likely to find prey there.
In addition to sunbathing on rocks and hiding in crevices, snakes are also attracted to small animals as a source of prey. The Common or Eastern Brown Snake, found in the eastern half of Australia, is known to inhabit open woodlands, rural areas, and the suburban peripheries of larger towns and cities. Despite having low venom output due to their small fangs, they cause the most snake-related deaths in Australia due to their large numbers and frequent contact with humans.
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When snakes are most active: during spring and summer, and when it's warm
Snakes are poikilothermic or poikilothermis, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature and rely on external sources of heat. They need a warm body temperature to digest food, and they bask in the sun to maintain warmth. Therefore, snake activity is influenced by temperature, rain, and food availability.
In southern Australia, snakes are most active during spring and summer. The warmer spring temperatures bring snakes out into the open as they mate, hunt, and search for food after a slow winter. In southeastern Australia, red-bellied black snakes are common in suburban areas during spring. During the summer, venomous snakes like tiger snakes and brown snakes are typically more active in the early morning, late evening, or at night when temperatures are cooler.
In northern Australia, the year-round heat means that temperature does not drive snake activity as much as it does in the south. Instead, snake activity is driven by rain, and snakes are most often encountered following the wet season (April to June) when prey and water are more abundant.
Across Australia, snakes are most active during spring, summer, and early autumn. They are less active during the colder months, entering a dormant period called "brumation" when the temperature becomes too cool for them to move around and hunt effectively.
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Why you should avoid snakes: they're venomous, and their bites can be fatal
Australia is home to about 170 species of land snakes, some of which possess venom more toxic than any other snake species in the world. The Eastern Brown Snake, for instance, has been ranked as the second most toxic land snake globally. Its venom, coupled with its aggressive temperament, fast movement, and tendency to thrive in populated areas, makes it responsible for more deaths in Australia than any other snake.
The Coastal Taipan is another highly venomous snake species in Australia. Before the development of anti-venom in the 1950s, its bites were mostly fatal. The Inland Taipan, also known as the fierce snake, is considered the most dangerous and venomous snake in the world. However, due to its remote environment, there are not many human encounters with this species.
The Common Death Adder, found in eastern Australia, is an ambush predator that conceals itself in leaf litter, sand, or gravel, making it more dangerous to unsuspecting hikers. Its venom contains a neurotoxin that causes the loss of motor and sensory function, including respiration, resulting in paralysis and death.
While snake bites in Australia are rare, they can be fatal, especially if left untreated. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if bitten. Additionally, it is best to avoid snakes altogether and be cautious when exploring their habitats, such as rocky areas, deserts, grassy wetlands, and suburban areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats across Australia, including tropical rainforests, arid deserts, suburban backyards, offshore reefs, bushland, wetlands, agricultural areas, rocky outcrops, and along rivers and lakes. They are less commonly found in areas with extended periods of cold weather.
Snakes are more commonly found in warmer regions of Australia, such as Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Within these regions, specific species like the Inland Taipan and Eastern Brown Snake are known to inhabit certain areas.
Snakes typically seek out sunny environments to bask in and regulate their body temperature. They can be found on top of rocks, in desert sand areas, grassy expanses surrounding wetlands and lakes, and in open forests or grasslands.
Snake hotspots include sand dunes, which are common breeding grounds, and suburban areas where they can come into contact with humans. Specific habitats like eucalypt woodlands, grassland, grassy beach dunes, pastures, and cane fields are also known to attract certain species like Taipans.
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