Snakes in the suburbs of Melbourne are more common than you think
SOME of Australia’s most deadly snakes are lurking in Melbourne backyards, creeks and shopping centres. Here’s the types of snakes you are most likely to find. SEE THE MAP
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VENOMOUS snakes are quietly lurking in the suburbs, a snake expert says.
The Snake Hunter, Mark Pelley said many Melburnians did not know some of Australia’s deadliest snakes were in creeks, shopping centres, inside cars and even in dog kennels in the ‘burbs.
“No matter where you are in Melbourne, the bad news is that every endemic species of snake in our great city is venomous,” Mr Pelley said.
He said the four most common snakes across the suburbs were the Red-bellied Black, Lowland Copperhead, Eastern Tiger and the Eastern Brown snakes.
“They are very common, can grow quite large, and can deliver a decent bite with potentially deadly consequences,” Mr Pelley said.
“Two of Melbourne’s snakes are considered to be the among the deadliest species in the entire planet.”
What types of snakes are common in Melbourne?
The world’s second most venomous snake, the Eastern Brown snake, can be found during the day in northern parts of Melbourne including Tullamarine, Campbellfield, Broadmeadows and Greensborough.
Mr Pelley said the Eastern Tiger snake, one of most venomous snakes in the world, was the most common snake found in Melbourne.
He said the reptile commonly lived in the western suburbs, inner city areas and the peninsula.
“Places I have found these snakes is the stuff of nightmares,” he said.
Mr Pelley said he caught the 1.5m to 2m critter behind curtains in a retirement village, underneath refrigerators, behind dishwashers, in a washing machine, in kitchen cupboards, in car engines, schools, garages and even under beds.
A Diamond Creek father and son were bitten by an Eastern Tiger snake earlier this year.
The Red-bellied Black snake is commonly found in the eastern and northern suburbs, while the Lowland Copperhead snake is frequently found at kindergartens and primary schools.
Mr Pelley also said the Little Whip snake, White-lipped snake and Small-eyed snake could be spotted in the suburbs too.
“While considered to be venomous, these snakes are small, not typically encountered and retreat quickly if discovered by Melbourne residents,” he said.
Mr Pelley said any Melburnian could bump into a snake, so stay alert.
The Snakes most commonly found in your area:
Mt Dandenong, Ferntree Gully, Monbulk
-White Lipped snake
-Small-eyed snake
-Eastern Tiger snake
-Eastern Brown snake
Mornington Peninsula
-White Lipped snake
-Eastern Tiger snake
-Eastern Brown snake
-Lowland Copperhead snake
Dandenong, Narre Warren,Noble Park, Doveton, Rowville, Keysborough, Emerald
-White Lipped Snakes
-Small-eyed snake
-Eastern Tiger snake
-Eastern Brown snake
-Lowland Copperhead snake
Williamstown, Werribee to Point Cook
-Eastern Tiger snake
-Eastern Brown snake
Sunshine
-Eastern Tiger snake
-Eastern Brown snake
Epping, Greenvale, Mill Park, Campbellfield, Preston, Coburg, Mickelham
-Little Whip snake
-Small-eyed snake
-Eastern Tiger snake
-Eastern Brown snake
-Lowland Copperhead snake
-Red-bellied Black snake
Diamond Creek, Wattle Glen, Doreen, Mernda, Kinglake, Saint Andrews, South Morang, Whittlesea, Greensborough, Wollert, Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Fairfield, Northcote, Research, Collingwood, Park Orchards
-Little Whip snake
-Small-eyed snake
-Eastern Tiger Snake
-Eastern Brown snake
-Lowland Copperhead snake
-Red-bellied Black snake
Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, St Albans, Taylors Lakes, Maribyrnong
-Little Whip snake
-Eastern Tiger snake
-Eastern Brown snake
-Lowland Copperhead snake
What to do if you see a snake:
*Step back and move away
*Watch the snake from a safe distance
*Call a snake catcher to come and collect the snake
*Follow instructions of the snake catcher, watch the snake until they arrive
*Direct the catcher to the snake’s location
If bitten:
*Move away from the snake
*Try not to panic — control your breathing
*Phone 000
*Lie the person down and keeping them still
*Apply a pressure bandage to slow down the venom
*Immobilise the bandaged limb with splints
*Write down time of bite and when bandage was applied, and bite location
*Stay with patient until medical assistance arrives
*Do not try to catch the snake or wash away the venom
*Call snake catcher
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