Snake encounters are becoming more common across New South Wales, especially as suburban areas continue to expand into natural habitats. While it can be tempting to handle a snake on your own, DIY snake removal poses serious risks. It also conflicts with strict NSW wildlife protection laws that regulate how native snakes must be handled.
This guide explains why attempting to remove a snake yourself can lead to injuries, legal consequences, and greater danger for both you and the animal. Understanding these risks helps homeowners make informed choices and stay safe during a snake encounter.
Understanding the Risks of DIY Snake Removal
Snakes are highly defensive when threatened, and attempting to catch, move, or corner them can escalate the situation very quickly. Many people underestimate how fast snakes can strike or how unpredictable their movements can be.
Common risks associated with handling snakes yourself include:
- Severe bites from venomous species
- Misidentification of venomous snakes
- Aggressive behaviour triggered by stress
- Increased risk of the snake escaping into unsafe areas
- Injuries from improper equipment or handling techniques
Even non-venomous species can bite and cause significant injury when threatened. The danger increases when the person handling the snake is untrained or unfamiliar with snake behaviour.
Legal Implications of DIY Snake Removal in NSW
Most native snake species in New South Wales are protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. This means they cannot be harmed, captured, or relocated without the proper licence. Many homeowners are unaware of these laws and unintentionally break them when attempting to move a snake.
Key legal points to understand:
- Handling or relocating native snakes without a licence is often illegal
- Penalties may apply for harming or interfering with protected wildlife
- Only licensed wildlife handlers and snake catchers are permitted to relocate snakes
- Fines can be issued even if the snake was not injured
These regulations exist to protect native wildlife and ensure that snake relocation is carried out safely and ethically.
Common Misconceptions About Snake Removal
DIY attempts often stem from misunderstandings about snake behaviour and safety. Correcting these misconceptions helps reduce risky decisions during a real-life encounter.
Misconception: All snakes are dangerous
Not all snakes in NSW pose the same level of risk, but even non-venomous species can bite when threatened. Snake identification is complex and best left to trained professionals.
Misconception: Snakes will attack without provocation
Snakes prefer to avoid humans. Aggression typically occurs only when they feel cornered or threatened.
Misconception: Moving a snake a short distance is harmless
Relocating snakes improperly can disrupt their survival patterns, reduce their chance of finding shelter or prey, and endanger local ecosystems.
Misconception: Snakes in the home must be killed
Killing snakes is illegal in most cases, unnecessary, and dangerous. There are safe, compliant methods to remove snakes without harm.
Safety Risks When Attempting DIY Snake Removal
Handling a snake is far more complex than it appears. Licensed snake catchers undergo training that covers behaviour, species recognition, safe capture techniques, and proper equipment use.
Attempting to manage a snake without this knowledge increases several risks.
1. High risk of snake bites
Venomous species such as the Eastern Brown Snake, Red Bellied Black Snake, and Tiger Snake are common in NSW. Their bites can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
2. Lack of proper equipment
Tools like snake hooks, secure bags, and protective gear are necessary for safe handling. Improvised equipment greatly increases the chance of escape or injury.
3. Triggering defensive behaviour
Snakes may strike, coil, flee into dangerous spaces, or become stressed. A stressed snake is more unpredictable and reactive.
4. Increased risk to pets and family members
During a DIY removal attempt, the snake may move toward other people or pets, creating unnecessary danger.
How DIY Removal Can Make the Situation Worse
Trying to remove a snake yourself does more than put you at risk. It can escalate the situation in ways that make professional removal more difficult later.
Problems that commonly occur include:
- The snake hides in tight spaces, making it harder to locate
- The snake becomes defensive, more agitated, or more likely to strike
- The snake escapes outdoors into areas with high foot traffic
- Homeowners accidentally trap the snake inside a room or structure
- The snake may sustain injuries from improper handling
These complications often require a professional to spend more time tracking, containing, and safely relocating the animal.
Why NSW Has Strict Snake Handling Laws
NSW laws are designed to protect native wildlife while keeping the community safe. Snakes play an essential role in local ecosystems by controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance.
Reasons behind the strict regulations:
- Prevent harm to protected species
- Ensure relocation does not impact local biodiversity
- Minimise the risk of injury during snake conflicts
- Ensure humane and ethical treatment of wildlife
Licensed snake catchers follow guidelines that protect both humans and snakes during relocation.
Understanding Snake Behaviour in NSW Homes
Knowing why snakes enter residential areas can help you reduce the likelihood of future encounters. While this does not eliminate risk, it provides important context.
Common reasons snakes enter properties include:
- Search for food such as rodents, frogs, or birds
- Seeking shelter during hot or cooler weather
- Movement through natural corridors near residential areas
- Escaping predators
- Accidental entry through open doors and gaps
Snakes rarely seek out humans. Their presence is typically incidental or driven by environmental conditions around the home.
What to Do When You See a Snake on Your Property
Knowing how to respond safely can significantly reduce risk and prevent legal issues. Staying calm is the most important first step.
Recommended actions include:
- Keep a safe distance from the snake
- Remove pets and children from the area
- Do not corner or attempt to touch the snake
- Keep visual contact from a safe distance without approaching
- Close doors if the snake is in a room
- Avoid using tools, sticks, or household items to move it
Taking these precautions preserves the safety of everyone involved and prevents the snake from becoming stressed or defensive.
What Not to Do During a Snake Encounter
Understanding unsafe actions is just as important as knowing the correct steps.
Avoid the following:
- Do not attempt to catch, trap, or relocate the snake
- Do not try to kill the snake
- Do not use DIY repellents, chemicals, or smoke
- Do not place buckets, crates, or boxes over the snake
- Do not chase or corner the snake
These actions increase risk and may result in legal penalties.
How Licensed Snake Catchers Handle Snake Removal Safely
While this article is not promotional, it is important to highlight the difference between DIY attempts and licensed removal.
Licensed snake handlers in NSW undergo training that includes:
- Accurate snake identification
- Behaviour assessment
- Safe capture techniques
- Ethical and legal relocation procedures
- Handling venomous species
- Use of specialised equipment
This training ensures the removal process is safe, compliant with the law, and minimally stressful for the snake.
Preventing Snake Encounters on Your Property
While encounters cannot be completely eliminated, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of snakes entering your space.
Helpful prevention steps include:
- Keep yards tidy and free of debris
- Seal gaps around doors, walls, and foundations
- Store firewood away from the home
- Reduce sources of standing water
- Limit rodent activity to reduce food sources
- Use mesh screens on windows and vents
- Maintain short grass along property edges
These simple measures help minimise hiding places and make your property less attractive to roaming snakes.
Conclusion
DIY snake removal is dangerous, unpredictable, and often illegal in NSW. The safest option is to avoid handling snakes yourself and allow trained professionals to manage the situation. By understanding the risks and legal implications, homeowners can make safer decisions and protect both their families and local wildlife.
If you encounter a snake on your property, do not attempt to move it. Contact a licensed snake catcher at 0427775959 today for safe and legal assistance.