A Beginner's Guide to Snakes in the Northern Rivers
As the weather warms up, snake activity in the Northern Rivers region increases. They play an important role in our ecosystems here at The Farm.
Common venomous snakes often spotted here at The Farm include Eastern Brown snakes and Red Bellied Black snakes. Other less venomous snakes that inhabit the area include Pythons, Green Tree snakes and Whip snakes. We have included a brief description of the most common snakes in our Northern Rivers Region as below, along with a few safety tips further down.
Eastern Brown Snake
Identification: Slender, pale brown to grey in colour. Up to 2m long.
Habitat: Found in grass/woodlands, urban areas, backyards and sheds.
Diet: Predominately small mammals
Venomous: Yes
Red-Bellied Black Snake
Identification: Shiny black top with pinkish to red bell. Typically growing up to 1.5m
Habitat: Generally inhabit wetlands, creeks and rivers, although may venture into urban areas in search of food.
Diet: Frogs and reptiles
Venomous: Yes
Python
Identification: Light to dark brown coloured, with diamond-like patterns and pale coloured underbelly
Habitat: Trees, gardens, roofs, rock ledges
Diet: Marsupials and small mammals.
Venomous: No
Green Tree Snake
Identification: Slender with large eyes. Dark green to olive green on the back, and pale yellow on the throat and belly.
Habitat: Forest, woodland, and urban areas.
Diet: Frogs and small reptiles.
Venomous: Mildly toxic though not regarded dangerous to humans.
Yellow-faced Whip Snake
Identification: Small, slender snake, pale olive to brown in colour. Up to 75cm in length.
Habitat: Urban gardens, grasslands, rocky environments
Diet: Small frogs and lizards.
Venomous: Mildly venomous.
Snakes are not naturally aggressive, they will only strike if they are provoked or feel threatened.
Below are some tips on what you should do if you happen to come across a snake:
Keep your distance, give the snake plenty of room to move away from you
Remain calm and move away from the snake slowly. Most Australian snakes can only sense movement and vibration
Keep children and pets away from areas where snakes have been sighted
Alert staff of snake sighting
If you are bitten by a snake, stop moving, call 000 immediately and alert staff.
There are multiple snake first aid kits, and staff trained in administering pressure bandages at The Farm.
For more information about snakes in the NSW region, visit