Brown Tree Snakes (Boiga irregularis) are mildly venomous reptiles found in northern and eastern Australia, including occasional records from the Sutherland Shire region.
Identification: Brown tree snakes are slender, medium-sized snakes that can grow up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length. They have a distinctive large head with prominent eyes and vertical slit-like pupils, giving them excellent night vision. Their body is usually light to dark brown with irregular banding, and their underside is cream or pale yellow.
Habitat: Brown tree snakes are arboreal and semi-arboreal, meaning they are often found in trees, shrubs, and roofs of houses. They are native to coastal forests, woodlands, and rocky habitats across northern and eastern Australia, though in the Sutherland Shire they are less commonly encountered compared to other species.
Behavior: These snakes are primarily nocturnal and are skilled climbers, often entering homes and sheds in search of food. They are more defensive than some other snake species and may strike repeatedly if threatened. However, they usually prefer to escape if given the chance.
Diet: Brown tree snakes feed mainly on birds, lizards, frogs, and small mammals. Their excellent climbing ability allows them to raid bird nests, making them formidable predators in their habitats.
Venom: Brown tree snakes are mildly venomous, with rear-fanged venom delivery. Their bites can cause localized swelling, pain, and irritation, but are not considered dangerous to humans. The risk increases if the snake latches on for an extended period, as venom delivery is less efficient than in front-fanged species. Despite this, medical attention should still be sought for any snake bite.
If you encounter a brown tree snake or any snake in the Sutherland Shire area and require assistance, you can contact Tyler Gibbons at Shire Snake Wranglers.
Contact details:
Name: Tyler Gibbons
Phone number: 0428 458 856
Company: Shire Snake Wranglers
Snake wranglers like Tyler Gibbons have expertise in handling and safely relocating snakes, ensuring both human safety and the welfare of the snakes. It's important to exercise caution and not attempt to handle or provoke a snake if you encounter one, and instead rely on trained professionals for assistance.
The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is one of the less frequently encountered snakes in the Sutherland Shire, ranking 11th in local sightings. This species is more commonly found in northern and eastern Australia, but occasional records in the Shire are linked to its ability to thrive in roof spaces, trees, and bushland edges. Being nocturnal and highly arboreal, they often go unnoticed compared to ground-dwelling species. Their diet of birds, lizards, and small mammals means encounters are more likely in areas with abundant wildlife, though their secretive nature keeps sightings relatively rare in the region.
Call us immediately! And if possible, try to maintain a visual of the snake - from a safe distance.
Safely attempt to contain the snake to an area of the house or property by closing doors, blocking gaps etc.
If possible, take a photo and/or record a video of the snake and text it to us (for identification purposes).
Most importantly, do not attempt to touch or catch the snake yourself! Please leave this to the professionals.
For urgent removal/callout, please click on the button below:
Alternatively, if you have a general question, or even some feedback, feel free to complete & submit the below form.
Yes, we are fully-licensed with the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Licence #MWL000103684
Absolutely not! It is extremely important that you do not attempt to catch the snake yourself. Please leave this to the professionals, to avoid any risk of being bitten and/or seriously injured.
No. Please keep small children and pets away from wherever you saw the snake in your home/property, until it has been safely captured.
If you have been bitten by a venomous snake, it is crucial to take immediate action! Here are some recommendations:
1. Stay Calm: Panicking increases your heart rate, which can cause the venom to spread quicker.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Do not attempt to drive yourself!
3. Keep Bite Area Immobilized: Immobilizing the bitten limb can slow down the spread of venom to other parts of the body.
4. Remove Constrictive Items: Snakebite swelling can progress rapidly, so remove any constrictive items, such as; rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the bite site.
5. Do Not Apply a Tourniquet: Contrary to popular belief, applying a tourniquet, or restricting blood flow, is not recommended and can cause more harm than good.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water! Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or other substances that can increase heart rate and blood flow.
7. Observe and Describe the Snake: If possible, try to remember the look of the snake that bit you. This information can help healthcare professionals determine the appropriate antivenom for treatment.
Yes, we do. The amount varies and is dependent on the date and time. However, we guarantee we are the cheapest snake catchers in the Sutherland Shire!