A warehouse is the last place most people expect to find a venomous snake. But that was the situation facing the owners of a warehouse on Carnarvon Street, Silverwater, when a red-bellied black snake was discovered inside.
The owners called Snakes in the City. Our catcher attended promptly, expertly secured and removed the snake, then humanely relocated it. The call brought professional help to an encounter that needed a calm response and plenty of space.
A warehouse encounter with a native neighbour
This call-out is a useful reminder for businesses: snake awareness belongs in a workplace safety conversation as well as a backyard one. When an unfamiliar snake appears, the immediate priority is to keep people away and get qualified assistance.
We have not established how this snake entered the building. In general, a workplace review can look at gaps around doors, clutter beside buildings and places where staff cannot see the ground clearly. These are practical checks, not an explanation of what happened at this warehouse.
Why a red-bellied black snake needs a careful response
Red-bellied black snakes are venomous. The Australian Museum’s species guide describes them as generally shy, but they can defend themselves when threatened or prevented from escaping. A snake that is quiet or stationary is still one to leave alone.
Colour alone is not a reliable basis for deciding that a snake is safe. Our red-bellied black snake guide explains the species in more detail; it is a learning resource, not a reason to approach one for a closer look.
What to do if a snake is found at work
- Pause activity nearby. Keep staff, visitors and pets clear, and alert the person responsible for the site.
- Give it space. Do not try to catch it, corner it or move it with a broom or other tool.
- Keep track only from safety. If possible, note where it goes without approaching or following it into cover. Do not reach under pallets or into stored materials to search.
- Call a professional. Give the street address, safe access point and last known location. Follow the catcher’s advice while waiting.
For managers reviewing their response plan, our commercial and strata snake-removal information and snake safety guidance are useful starting points.
If a bite is suspected, call 000
Every suspected snakebite is a medical emergency, even if the person initially feels well. Call 000 for an ambulance, keep the person still and follow the operator’s instructions. Apply pressure immobilisation first aid to a bitten limb and keep it immobilised. Do not wash the bite, cut it, suck it or apply a tourniquet. Do not catch the snake for identification. See Healthdirect’s snakebite first-aid guidance.
Help for a snake at your Silverwater property
The Carnarvon Street owners chose professional removal and humane relocation. If you find a snake at a home or workplace, keep clear and call Snakes in the City on 0411 103 488. Our Parramatta and Ryde service-area information provides nearby local coverage details. For a suspected bite, call 000 first.