Snakes

Being aware that snakes may be around, and being informed about how to react to them are the most important aspects of living with snakes.

Snakes are common in rural and urban fringe areas across the Mornington Peninsula, particularly in Spring and Summer when they are more active. The most frequently encountered species include the Tiger Snake, Lowland Copperhead, and Eastern Brown Snake.

The state government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) advises if you live in an area with snakes remember:

  • If you see a snake - keep calm and try to move yourself, others and your pets away from the snake
  • Never touch, attempt to capture or hurt snakes – instead call a licensed snake catcher to remove the snake
  • Have a spring clean - clean up around the house and cut lawns regularly. Snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, or building materials.
  • Undertake first aid training, ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages, and if someone is bitten, call 000 immediately
  • Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to capture, kill or harm them. Bites can occur when people try to catch or kill snakes.

Licensed snake controllers

The Shire does not provide a snake catching service for snakes found on private property. Please note a service fee is charged by the snake controllers listed below.

More information

Learn more about the more common species of snakes that occur the Peninsula.

Download: Tiger Snake Fact Sheet(PDF, 432KB)

Download: Eastern Brown Snake Fact Sheet(PDF, 169KB)

Visit: Lowland Copperhead page on the Australian Museum's website.