Snake Species Found in Penrith

Why Are There So Many Snakes in Penrith? A Complete Local Analysis

Penrith sits on the western edge of Sydney, surrounded by the Nepean River, foothills of the Blue Mountains, and vast bushland reserves. While it’s a growing urban centre, these natural corridors make Penrith one of Western Sydney’s most active snake zones.

For residents, snake sightings are surprisingly common — from Diamond Pythons resting in backyards to Red-Bellied Black Snakes near ponds and rivers. Understanding why snakes thrive here requires a closer look at Penrith’s geography, environment, and human activity.

Geographical and Environmental Drivers of Snake Activity
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📍 Bushland Reserves and Natural Spaces

Penrith has many extensive bushland areas and natural habitats within short drives:

Werrington Reserve – Bushland with sandstone outcrops and wetlands, home to Red-Bellied Black Snakes and Diamond Pythons.

Tench Reserve & Jamisontown Bushland – Woodland and creek corridors attract Eastern Browns and Golden-Crowned Snakes.

Penrith Lakes – Wetlands and open water attract Red-Bellied Black Snakes and Tiger Snakes.

Blue Mountains Foothills (Mulgoa & Glenmore Park edges) – Ideal for Broad-Headed Snakes and arboreal species like Brown Tree Snakes.

Orchard Hills & Castlereagh Reserves – Rocky and grassy areas perfect for Eastern Browns and Diamond Pythons.

💧 Waterways and Corridors

The Nepean River, along with South Creek, Ropes Creek, and multiple stormwater channels, act as “wildlife highways” for snakes.

Red-Bellied Black Snakes favour moist creeklines and ponds.

Diamond Pythons hunt along riverbanks and wetlands where rats are abundant.

Eastern Browns may appear in drier, open industrial areas or near rail corridors.

🌿 Suburban Greenery

Backyards in Glenmore Park, St Marys, Cranebrook, and Emu Plains often back onto bushland or green corridors. Features like sheds, wood piles, compost heaps, and garden ponds provide ideal shelter and hunting grounds.

🌡 Climate and Weather Patterns

Penrith experiences hotter summers than many coastal suburbs, which drives peak snake activity from late spring through early autumn:

Spring – Mating season; snakes move more frequently.

Summer – High activity; snakes enter homes and sheds for shade.

Autumn – Feeding intensifies before winter slowdown.

Winter – Brumation in logs, under rocks, and roof spaces.

Suburbs in Penrith Where Snakes Are Common

While snakes can appear anywhere, certain areas have higher activity due to bushland and waterways:

St Marys & Werrington – Red-Bellied Black Snakes and Diamond Pythons.

Glenmore Park & Cranebrook – Eastern Browns and Diamond Pythons in large backyards.

Emu Plains & Leonay – Tiger Snakes near riverbanks and wetlands.

Castlereagh & Mulgoa – Broad-Headed Snakes and arboreal Brown Tree Snakes in rocky reserves.

Penrith CBD & industrial zones – Eastern Browns and Yellow-Faced Whip Snakes occasionally appear in yards and warehouses.

Snake Species Found in Penrith

Based on local relocation trends, the following species are most commonly encountered:

🐍 Red-Bellied Black Snake – Venomous, found near creeks, rivers, and ponds.

🐍 Diamond Python – Harmless constrictor, often in sheds, trees, and roof spaces.

🐍 Common Tree Snake – Non-venomous, fast, and often mistaken for dangerous snakes.

🐍 Golden-Crowned Snake – Shy, nocturnal, found under mulch and leaf litter.

🐍 Eastern Brown Snake – Extremely venomous, favours drier open areas.

🐍 Yellow-Faced Whip Snake – Small, mildly venomous, often sunbathing in gardens.

🐍 Tiger Snake – Found near wetlands, especially around Penrith Lakes.

🐍 Broad-Headed Snake – Threatened sandstone specialist in rocky reserves.

🐍 Brown Tree Snake – Arboreal, mildly venomous, enters roofs and sheds at night.

Why Snakes Are Thriving in Penrith

1️⃣ Bushland Integration – Backyards often connect directly to natural bushland.
2️⃣ Prey Abundance – Rats, mice, frogs, skinks, and birds attract snakes to urban areas.
3️⃣ Human Influence – Timber piles, outdoor pet food, ponds, and aviaries create snake-friendly habitats.
4️⃣ Seasonal Flooding & Storms – Heavy rains push snakes from creeks and drains into residential areas.
5️⃣ Legal Protections – All NSW snakes are protected, keeping populations stable despite urban growth.

The Ecological Role of Snakes in Penrith

Rodent Control – Diamond Pythons and Eastern Browns reduce rat and mouse numbers.

Frog and Lizard Population Balance – Prevents overpopulation in wetlands and backyards.

Ecosystem Health – A healthy snake population indicates functioning natural systems.

Without snakes, Penrith would face unchecked rodent populations and ecological imbalance.

Safety Advice for Penrith Residents

✅ Keep grass short, trim branches, and remove debris.
✅ Seal entry points in sheds, garages, and under doors.
✅ Maintain ponds and avoid stagnant water.
✅ Supervise pets near bushland edges.
✅ Wear closed shoes in long grass and carry a torch at night.
✅ Stay calm — never try to handle or kill a snake.

Professional Snake Removal in Penrith

Snake encounters are more common than many residents realise. Always call a licensed catcher for safe removal.

📞 Shire Snake Wranglers – 24/7 Penrith & Sydney Snake Catchers
For fast, professional, and humane snake removals, call 0428 458 856 any time, day or night.

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