A snake catcher is urging Newcastle residents to stay alert this winter, warning they are still actively moving through suburban areas despite the cooler weather.
The caution comes after a venomous red-bellied black snake was allegedly found inside a local hospital earlier this month, sparking renewed discussion around why the reptiles are continuing to appear in homes and built-up areas at this time of the year.
Snake Catcher Bronte says many people mistakenly believe snakes disappear completely once temperatures drop.
However, due to Australia’s milder winters, it can still provide enough warmth for them to remain active.
“We have the absolute pleasure of living in Australia, which means we still get warm days even in winter,” she said.
“Snakes are cold-blooded, so any chance they get to warm themselves in the sun, they’ll take it.
“If it’s constantly cold, they’ll start searching for warm environments like roof spaces, wall cavities or even car engines.”
Rather than hibernating like mammals, snakes enter a slower dormant state known as brumation, where their metabolism slows but movement continues.
“They’re still moving around, just much slower,” Snake Catcher Bronte said.
“Snakes are just looking for shelter, warmth and water, and every now and then they might eat.”
She says increasing development, roadworks and land clearing across Newcastle were also forcing wildlife, including snakes, further into suburban streets and residential properties.
“We’re seeing more snakes, wallabies, kangaroos and birdlife pushed into those spaces because their habitats are being destroyed,” she said.
“If you clear their home, where are they going to go?”
Snake Catcher Bronte says she had noticed an increase in callouts in newly-developed estates and areas undergoing major construction around the Newcastle area.
“People tell me they’ve never had snakes before, but suddenly all this land gets cleared and now they’ve had two, three or four sightings,” she said.
“Even mowing long grass can disturb a snake’s habitat and increase the chances of seeing one.
“Snakes typically enter any area searching for three things – shelter, water and food.”
They also play an important role in controlling pests around homes and gardens, often helping reduce rats and mice before moving on naturally.
Snake Catcher Bronte explained cluttered backyards, stacked timber, outdoor pet bowls, pools and rodent activity could all attract snakes looking for somewhere to rest or hunt.
“If you’ve got chickens and scattered feed attracting rats and mice, that becomes a food source,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Piles of materials laying around, shoes left outside or overgrown grass, those types of things create shelter.”
Despite common fear surrounding snakes, Snake Catcher Bronte says most species, including red-bellied black snakes, were defensive rather than aggressive.
“A snake’s first instinct is to leave,” she said.
“If people corner them or try to handle them, that’s when things become dangerous.”
She warned the biggest mistake residents make is trying to catch or kill snakes themselves.
“A lot of people say, ‘I have to protect my family’, but if you get bitten trying to handle a snake, that doesn’t help anyone,” she said.
“If you see a snake, keep children and pets away, isolate the area if possible and call a professional.”
Snake Catcher Bronte says her message to Newcastle residents as snake activity continues into the colder months is simple.
“Snakes are not out to get you, they are just trying to survive,” she said.
“Give them space, keep calm and call a professional when you need help!”
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