A Turramurra resident recently discovered a golden-crowned snake basking in the sun on a verandah. Although the snake was not behaving aggressively, any unexpected snake close to a home can cause understandable concern. The resident kept a safe distance and contacted Harley from Snakes in the City. Harley provided a quick response, assessed the situation and completed the snake removal calmly and professioally.
The golden-crowned snake, scientifically known as Cacophis squamulosus, is a native eastern Australian species. It is usually dark brown, grey or black, with distinctive golden, orange or cream markings around the head and neck that create its crown-like appearance. Golden-crowned snakes are generally secretive and commonly active at night, spending much of their time beneath leaf litter, logs, rocks and other sheltered areas. Like other reptiles, they may use a warm, sunny position to regulate their body temperature.
Golden-crowned snakes are venomous and should never be picked up or cornered. If a snake is found at a Sydney property, keep children and pets inside, stay well back and, where it can be done safely, continue watching the snake so the catcher knows its location. Do not attempt to identify or capture it yourself. Any suspected snake bite must be treated as a medical emergency: call Triple Zero (000), keep the person still and follow pressure-immobilisation first aid while waiting for an ambulance.
Snakes in the City has experienced snake catchers servicing Turramurra, the Upper North Shore and communities throughout the Greater Sydney area. The team provides a fast, affordable and responsive snake removal service for homes, gardens, verandahs, strata properties and workplaces. For a professional Sydney snake catcher, emergency snake removal or advice about a reptile on your property, contact Snakes in the City on 0412 103 455.