Venomous snakes invade Mildura schools and homes as sightings surge — residents urged to stay alert

With more than 20 call-outs in two weeks, a veteran snake catcher warns Mildura residents of a spike in venomous snake encounters, including deadly eastern browns.

Mildura snake catcher Steven Morrow caught this 3ft eastern brown snake on 17th St this year. Picture: Supplied

Snake season is in full swing in Mildura, with local snake catcher Steven Morrow reporting more than 20 call-outs in the past two weeks alone.

Mr Morrow, who has been catching snakes in the Sunraysia region for 30 years, has responded to multiple incidents at schools, childcare centres and playgrounds.

“In the last two weeks, I’ve been to a high school, a couple of childcare centres, and a few primary schools — I actually went back to the same school twice,” he said.

While the increase in snake sightings may alarm residents, Mr Morrow suggests there’s little more people can do to avoid encounters.

Steve Morrow says due to a relatively high breeding season there is not a lot you can do but be vigilant for snakes this season.

“Your backyards and garden sheds are just like big supermarkets to snakes,” he said. “On a hot day, they need shelter or shade. They aren’t really fussed with what we’re doing.”

Mildura is home to several venomous snakes, including the eastern brown snake — one of the deadliest in the world — as well as yellow-faced whip snakes and tiger snakes near bodies of water.

Mr Morrow believes a particularly successful breeding season might be responsible for the up tick.

Snake catcher Steve Morrow found a 4ft Eastern Brown Snake at a Mildura primary school last week

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and every 10 years you get a good season,” he said. “The weather conditions are perfect for breeding, and all of a sudden there’s more snakes around. If there’s more snakes — well, you’re going to get more snakes, aren’t you?”

Mr Morrow’s fascination with snakes began in his youth, combining his love for reptiles with photography.

“I’ve always had a camera with me, even as a kid,” he recalled. “I remember taking pictures of the first snake I found on my own — a little brown snake crossing the road on my way home from school. That was sort of it for me. I started handling them from a very young age, and it stemmed from there.”

Steve Morrow has been catching snakes in the region for almost three decades

As snake season was expected to continue until April, Mr Morrow urged the public to remain vigilant, observe snakes from a safe distance, and call professionals if they get too close for comfort.

“Snakes have no barriers,” he warned. “They can show up where you least expect them — inside or outside.”