Builders in Threlfall Street, Eastwood, came across an unexpected visitor: a Diamond Python. They called Snakes in the City, and a catcher soon attended to secure the snake and humanely relocate it.
It was a local encounter with one of Sydney’s native pythons, and a useful reminder that a snake at a work site is a reason to create space and call for help.
A call from the builders, followed by a humane relocation
The builders’ call brought our team to Threlfall Street to deal with the python. The catcher secured it, and the snake was then humanely relocated. The photograph shows the python with a Snakes in the City catcher from this call-out.
For residents and tradespeople needing help nearby, our Eastwood snake-catching page explains the local service and what information to give when you call.
A native python in suburban Sydney
Diamond Pythons are non-venomous snakes found in coastal New South Wales, including Sydney. The Australian Museum’s Diamond Python guide describes their mostly nocturnal habits and diet of small mammals and lizards. They may also be seen basking in trees or sheltering in roofs and rafters.
Non-venomous does not mean safe to pick up. A python can bite, and a person looking at an unfamiliar snake should not rely on colour or pattern alone to decide how to handle the situation. Our Diamond Python guide has more information about the species.
What should builders do if they find a snake?
- Stop work close to the snake and move away slowly.
- Keep workers, visitors and pets out of the immediate area.
- Do not try to catch, corner, prod or move it with tools.
- If you can safely watch from a distance, note its position without following it into cover.
- Tell the catcher the address, safest access point and where the snake was last seen.
If it disappears among stored materials or into a gap, keep clear rather than reaching in or moving things to search for it. Read our snake-sighting safety advice for the next steps.
Need help with a snake in Eastwood?
Call Snakes in the City on 0411 103 488. Explain where you are and what is happening so our office can arrange an available catcher. The Threlfall Street call-out is one example of that process: a call for help, professional attendance and humane relocation.