Snake Catcher Parramatta

From the riverfront to Lake Parramatta

Parramatta combines a busy city centre with waterways and substantial pockets of bush. Lake Parramatta Reserve, in North Parramatta, retains sandstone bushland quite different from the paved streets and apartment precincts further south. The river and its tributaries also bring vegetation into otherwise built-up neighbourhoods. Council’s Lake Parramatta guide explains the reserve and its access.

That contrast matters when reporting a snake. “Near the river” covers a lot of ground. Give the street, nearest building or path entrance, and the last place the animal was actually visible. A landscaped courtyard, a waterside embankment and a basement service room each need a different approach. The presence of suitable habitat does not mean a particular park has a current snake problem.

A practical plan for apartments and commercial buildings

• Keep residents, visitors and pets out of the affected space. Tell the building manager which level or entrance is involved.
• Leave stored items and service covers in place. Moving them can turn a known location into an uncertain one.
• Arrange one person who can provide keys, access instructions and the latest sighting information. Do not ask somebody to stand beside the snake.
• If vehicles use the affected driveway or loading area, pause that movement where it can be done safely.

Snakes to be aware of

These Sydney-region species are worth knowing about, but a suburb name cannot identify the animal in front of you. Their different habitat preferences help explain why both open ground and water edges deserve care.

• Red-bellied black snake — a venomous snake often associated with creeks, dams and other damp habitat.
• Eastern brown snake — a venomous species associated with open country, woodland and disturbed ground.
• Yellow-faced whip snake — a small venomous species; size is no reason to pick up an unfamiliar snake.

Colour alone is not a reliable identification. A photograph taken from an already safe position may help; do not move closer to obtain one.

What a Parramatta attendance involves

Snakes in the City discusses the sighting, access and immediate risks before arranging attendance. Tell us if the animal is still visible, if anybody may have been bitten, and whether you need the owner or strata manager to authorise the job. We explain the fee and availability before you book.

The catcher assesses accessible areas using the last reliable observation. Where capture is possible, the snake can be removed and humanely relocated. A snake that has already left or entered an inaccessible space may not be found. Ask what the call-out covers if capture is unsuccessful; a search is not a promise that an entire property is snake-free.

Medical and veterinary help

Suspected bite to a person: call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Keep the person still and follow the ambulance operator’s instructions. Do not wait for a catcher or try to catch the snake for identification.

Westmead Hospital provides emergency care for the Parramatta district. The ambulance service will determine the appropriate destination.

Possible bite to a pet: contact a vet immediately, even if you cannot see a bite mark. SASH Western Sydney, 1 Rowood Road, Prospect. Open 24/7 for emergencies. Call See the provider’s website for contact details.

These services are independent of Snakes in the City. Contact details checked September 2026.

Questions about shared properties

Should we shut the garage door?

Only operate doors if you can do so without approaching the snake or putting somebody in its path. Tell us where the snake is first. Avoid repeatedly opening the area for a better look.

Can we use the courtyard once it disappears?

Disappearing from view is not confirmation that it has left. Keep the affected area clear and discuss the last sighting with the catcher before resuming normal use.

Neighbouring areas

For properties beyond central Parramatta, see North Parramatta, Northmead and the Parramatta and Ryde service area.