What first looked like a single snake moving through dry leaves at a Lane Cove property became a more careful job when a second movement was noticed nearby.
The resident had been tidying the edge of the garden when the leaf litter seemed to shift on its own. A slender snake appeared between the grass and fallen branches, then disappeared into the natural camouflage. Moments later, movement in a separate patch of leaves raised the possibility that there was more than one snake in the area.
The family moved indoors, brought their pets with them and kept watch from a safe distance while they called Snakes in the City. That simple decision helped preserve the last known locations and avoided driving the snakes deeper into cover.
Leaf litter can hide more than you expect
Lane Cove gardens often sit close to bushland and can provide the same ingredients snakes use in natural habitat: shelter, warmth, water and prey. Dry leaves, clumping grasses and fallen timber also create excellent camouflage. Even when a snake has been seen clearly, it can become almost invisible after moving only a short distance.
On arrival, the Snakes in the City catcher spoke with the resident before entering the search area. Rather than raking through the whole garden, the catcher worked outward from the two reported sightings and carefully checked likely cover without putting hands into unseen spaces.
Two separate, careful removals
The first snake was located beside a clump of grass, where its patterned body blended closely with the leaves. It was calmly secured with professional handling equipment and placed into a purpose-made transport container.
The search continued because the second sighting had been in a different position. After another slow inspection, a second snake was found using nearby ground cover. It was secured separately, allowing both animals to be transported safely without unnecessary handling.
The snakes were later humanely relocated in suitable habitat in accordance with wildlife requirements.
A useful reminder for bushland-edge homes
The resident had done the most helpful things: kept people and pets away, avoided disturbing the hiding places and remembered where each movement was seen. Trying to identify or capture a snake from a photograph can create false confidence, so the safest approach is to treat any unknown snake cautiously.
Residents near bushland can reduce surprise encounters by keeping paths clear, removing unused building materials, managing dense ground-level clutter and wearing enclosed shoes when gardening.
If you see a snake in your garden
- Stop and give it plenty of space.
- Bring children and pets indoors.
- Watch from a safe position if you can do so without approaching.
- Do not lift logs, pots or leaf piles to search for it.
- Call a licensed snake catcher and describe the last known location.
If anyone is bitten, call 000 immediately and follow emergency first-aid advice.
Snake sighting around Lane Cove?
Keep your distance and call Snakes in the City on 0411 103 488.