Not every hospital visitor arrives on two legs. This one had none—and Snakes in the City was the right team to arrange its departure.
SITC found and relocated a red-bellied black snake at St John of God Richmond Hospital, in North Richmond. Another hospital call-out, and a reminder that wildlife does not read the visitor information before turning up.
A calm response to an unexpected visitor
A snake at a hospital needs room, not an audience. For staff and visitors, the helpful response is to keep clear, alert the hospital team and let a professional catcher handle the animal. There is no need to get closer to confirm its colour or take a photograph.
Red-bellied black snakes are venomous. Their distinctive appearance is no invitation to handle them, and an unfamiliar snake should never be identified from a quick colour glimpse alone. Our red-bellied black snake guide explains more.
What to do if you spot a snake at a hospital
- Keep your distance and tell staff the exact last-seen location.
- Follow staff directions and keep the affected route clear. Do not surround, corner or follow the snake.
- For site teams arranging help, give SITC the correct entrance and a contact person. Do not move objects to search for a hidden snake.
Read our snake safety advice or snake removal guidance for managed properties and workplaces. If anyone may have been bitten, call 000 immediately and follow the ambulance operator’s instructions.
Need a snake catcher around Richmond or North Richmond? Call Snakes in the City on 0411 103 488, visit our Richmond snake removal page or explore our Hawkesbury service area.
The snake’s hospital visit ended with relocation. We will leave the paperwork to the humans.