A snake in the back garden changes what a homeowner needs from the day: space to keep everyone away, and someone experienced to call. At a property on Elfrieda Street, Toongabbie, Snakes in the City was called and found a red-bellied black snake in the owner’s back garden.
This local call-out is a reminder that a familiar garden can also be a place where wildlife turns up. For help at a nearby property, our Toongabbie snake catcher page explains how to arrange assistance.
A garden encounter on Elfrieda Street
The photograph from the visit shows the setting: established trees, a retaining edge, rocks and leaf litter across the garden floor. It is the kind of ground where a resident may have several places to watch once a snake has been noticed.
Snakes in the City attended the property and located the red-bellied black snake in the back garden. For residents facing a similar situation, the useful information is simple: where the snake was last seen, whether it is still visible, and how the catcher can safely reach that part of the property.
What to know about red-bellied black snakes
Red-bellied black snakes are venomous. They occur in eastern Australia and are often associated with moist habitats, although they can also be found away from water. The Australian Museum’s species guide describes shelter sites including grass clumps, logs and large rocks. That general behaviour does not tell us why this particular snake entered the Elfrieda Street garden.
Our red-bellied black snake guide provides more species information. Do not move closer or try to turn a snake over to check its markings. If identification is uncertain, ask for snake identification help and keep your distance.
If you find a snake in your back garden
- Stop gardening and give the snake space. Do not touch, chase or attempt to catch it.
- Keep children and pets away from the area.
- If you can do so safely, watch from a distance and note where it goes. Do not follow it into vegetation or reach beneath rocks or timber.
- Call with your suburb, the snake’s last known position and any access information, such as a side gate or steps to the garden.
Read our snake safety advice for further guidance. The handling shown in the call-out photograph is not something homeowners should attempt.
Local help for Toongabbie and nearby suburbs
For a snake at your property, call Snakes in the City on 0411 103 488 to discuss attendance. You can also find local information for Old Toongabbie and Seven Hills, or browse our Blacktown and North-West Sydney service directory.