Snakes can detect vibrations — but stomping isn’t a good idea.
Sudden, exaggerated movement can actually trigger a defensive response, rather than making a snake leave.
Calm, steady movement and giving the snake space is always the safer option.
Pythons aren’t venomous, but they can still cause serious injury.
They have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, and a defensive bite can be very painful — particularly if it’s to the face or hands.
Non-venomous does not mean harmless.
Snakes have home ranges, not territories.
Multiple snakes can live in the same area, share shelter sites, and overlap habitats without conflict — especially if it’s good habitat.
Seeing one snake doesn’t mean you won’t see another nearby.
Not true.
Snakes don’t hibernate — they brumate — and they can still move if disturbed.
Species like Diamond Pythons are well known for being active on cooler days. If a snake needs to move, it will do so regardless of the temperature.
This is mostly true — but not always.
On very hot days, snakes often seek cooler areas such as sheds, garages, under houses, and sometimes inside buildings. Many snake call-outs happen during heatwaves for this exact reason.
Snakes can see you.
Standing still simply means you’re less likely to be seen as a threat. Snakes react strongly to sudden movement, not the absence of it.
Even if a snake’s vision isn’t great, its sense of smell and chemical detection is extremely strong — that’s what the tongue flicking is all about.
🥾 Reducing your risk in the bush
If you’re in overgrown areas:
• Wear boots, long pants, and thick socks
• Avoid long grass
• Only place your feet where you can see the ground
If you can’t see the ground, you can’t see a snake — and neither of you wants that surprise.
🐍 If you come across a snake
• Stay calm
• Keep your distance
• Give it space and time to move on
Most snakes will leave once they know you’re there.
Take a moment to appreciate it — you’re seeing one of Australia’s most misunderstood native animals doing exactly what nature designed it to do.
