Why snake sightings in suburban homes across Australia are about to explode

Snake sightings in suburban homes are set to explode in the coming weeks as warmer weather and mating season draw serpents away from their natural habitats. 

Toowoomba-based snake catcher Alex Reynolds told Daily Mail Australia that as breeding season comes to end in mid-October, male snakes will be on the move to get their final-fix.

‘It’s spring now so it’s coming to the end of breeding season so they are getting to their last chance to mate, so the males are looking to have one more go before the end,’ he said.  

‘Their one goal is to mate so they will hold off eating.’

The wildlife removalist explained soaring temperatures heat up their blood, giving them the energy to be active and move away from their natural habitats. 

While snakes aren’t breeding at a higher rate, Mr Reynolds said the increased number of encounters may give that appearance. 

Professor Timothy Jackson from Melbourne University’s Australian Venom Research Unit told the Herald Sun that more sightings in the suburbs and city were expected.

‘They’re a little less cautious than they are the rest of the year because they’ve got baby-making on the brain,’ he said. 

Toowoomba-based professional snake catcher Alex Reynolds (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia that as breeding season comes to end in mid-October, male snakes will be on the move to get their final-fix

In the past week, two people had close calls in Melbourne’s north-east.  

Nathan Brett was gardening in the backyard of his home in Plenty when he frightened a sleeping Tiger snake. 

‘Its head went straight up like when snakes are going to strike,’ he said. 

An eight-year-old boy almost sat on an eastern brown in his yard in a second incident.

Mr Reynolds said snakes will only bite if provoked and advised wearing appropriate clothing and remaining calm can prevent a venomous bite.

‘If your living out in a farm or in a property where other animals are kept, in your in an area then I definitely recommend wearing shoes or long pants. A pair of pants or boots can save your life. 

While snakes aren’t breeding at a higher rate, Mr Reynolds says the increased number of encounters may give that appearance (stock image)

‘Snakes will always defend themselves if they are scared. 

‘If you’re in the area and you do find a snake stay very still or if people are too scared to stay still- slowly back away moving one leg after the other,’ he said.

People are urged to always call a snake catcher as attacks can occur if when those without experience try to remove the animal themselves.  

In 2018, 270 snake bites were recorded by the Victorian Poisons Information Centre. 

Snakes are protected by law throughout Australia and those who kill or harm them can be prosecuted under the Nature Conservation Act 2014.