Snake Species Found in Sydney

Why Are There So Many Snakes in Sydney? A Comprehensive Analysis

‍
Sydney, NSW, is not only Australia’s largest city but also one of the most unique when it comes to wildlife. While most people picture the Sydney Opera House or Bondi Beach, locals know that snakes are just as much a part of the city’s identity. From leafy backyards in the Sutherland Shire to sandstone escarpments in the north and wetland corridors in the west, Sydney provides the perfect environment for snakes to thrive.

Snake encounters in Sydney are common, especially during warmer months. But why exactly are there so many snakes here, and which species are residents most likely to encounter? Let’s take a detailed look.

Geographical and Demographic Overview
‍
📍 Proximity to Bushland and National Parks
Sydney is surrounded by — and interlaced with — natural reserves. Key parks include:

Royal National Park in the south, bordering suburbs like Engadine, Heathcote, and Bundeena.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the north, bordering suburbs like Berowra, Cowan, and Mount Colah.

Lane Cove National Park in the north-west, tucked among urban areas.

Garigal National Park, cutting through the Northern Beaches.

Blue Mountains National Park, providing corridors for snakes on the western edge of Sydney’s basin.

These reserves are not just background scenery — they act as wildlife highways, allowing snakes to travel into surrounding suburbs in search of food and shelter.

🌿 Bushland Coverage
Sydney’s patchwork of development and green space means that many suburbs, even just 20 minutes from the CBD, have direct bushland access. Places like Menai, Bangor, Loftus, and Yarrawarrah in the south; Frenchs Forest and Belrose in the north; and Castle Hill and West Pennant Hills in the west, all combine dense bushland with residential areas. This creates a perfect overlap of human and snake habitat.

🏡 Population and Housing Density
Sydney is home to over 5.2 million people, spread across high-rise apartments, medium-density townhouses, and large detached homes. The outer suburbs with large backyards and fewer fences see far more snake activity. Backyard gardens, sheds, and compost heaps provide shelter, while ponds, birdbaths, and even swimming pools attract prey animals like frogs and lizards.

💧 Waterways
From the Georges River in the south to the Parramatta and Hawkesbury Rivers, Sydney’s waterways provide lifelines for snakes. Red-Bellied Black Snakes thrive near creeks and dams, while wetlands attract frogs, which in turn attract predators. Even artificial water sources like golf course dams and retention basins create snake habitat.

🌡 Climate
Sydney’s warm, temperate climate means snakes can remain active for much of the year. Unlike colder regions, where snakes remain hidden for longer periods, Sydney snakes may still emerge in winter during sunny days. Seasonal variation drives behaviour:

Spring – Mating season; snakes become more active and mobile.

Summer – Peak activity; high visibility in backyards, gardens, and bush trails.

Autumn – Snakes feed heavily to prepare for cooler months.

Winter – Brumation (a reptile form of hibernation); snakes shelter in rock crevices, roof spaces, and under houses.

Snake Relocation Data in Sydney
‍
Using Engadine (Sutherland Shire) data as a baseline, the following percentages give a clear picture of the most commonly relocated snakes across Sydney:

🐍 Red-Bellied Black Snake (29%) – Highly venomous, but typically shy. Strongly associated with wetlands, creeks, and damp backyards.

🐍 Diamond Python (26%) – Harmless to humans, often found in roofs and trees. Excellent natural pest controllers, especially against rats.

🐍 Common Tree Snake (22%) – Harmless and agile, often mistaken for venomous species due to their speed. Frequently encountered in gardens and sometimes bathrooms.

🐍 Golden-Crowned Snake (9%) – Nocturnal and mildly venomous, rarely seen during the day. Prefers ground cover such as mulch and leaf litter.

🐍 Eastern Brown Snake (5%) – Extremely venomous, often encountered in drier, open areas. Known for their defensive behaviour when cornered.

🐍 Yellow-Faced Whip Snake (5%) – Slender and fast-moving. Mildly venomous but poses little danger to people.

🐍 Eastern Tiger Snake (1%) – Highly venomous. Found mostly near wetlands, dams, and rivers. Rarely encountered but high-risk when they are.

🐍 Brown Tree Snake (1%) – Mildly venomous. Arboreal, often entering roofs or sheds at night in search of prey.

🐍 Broad-Headed Snake (1%) – A threatened species restricted to sandstone outcrops in Sydney’s bushland.

🐍 Bandy Bandy (1%) – A rare, nocturnal, black-and-white banded snake that spends much of its time underground.

This distribution highlights Sydney’s diversity of snake species, ranging from harmless pythons to some of the world’s most venomous snakes.

Why Are Snakes So Common in Sydney?
‍
1️⃣ Location and Habitat
Sydney suburbs are directly connected to bushland, meaning snakes can easily travel into residential areas. Rock walls, gardens, and roof spaces provide excellent shelter, while native vegetation supports their natural prey.

2️⃣ Food Availability
Snakes are attracted to areas where prey is abundant. In Sydney:

Rats and mice attract pythons and larger venomous snakes.

Frogs and lizards draw in Red-Bellied Black Snakes and Tree Snakes.

Bird populations can also attract arboreal hunters like Brown Tree Snakes.

3️⃣ Human Activity
Ironically, people often create better habitats for snakes by:

Leaving wood piles and rubbish heaps that act as shelter.

Providing water sources such as ponds and dripping taps.

Attracting prey by leaving pet food outside, which encourages rats.

4️⃣ Seasonal Behaviour
Snakes are more active in spring and summer, leading to higher numbers of relocations. During heavy rain, they often take shelter in garages and houses.

5️⃣ Conservation Success
Despite urban growth, many Sydney snakes have adapted to suburban living. Conservation efforts and legal protections prevent people from harming or killing them, ensuring populations remain stable.

Ecological Importance of Snakes in Sydney
‍
Snakes play a critical role in Sydney’s ecosystems:

Rat Control – Pythons are among the best natural pest controllers, reducing the spread of disease and protecting homes.

Balancing Prey Populations – By feeding on frogs, birds, and lizards, snakes prevent population explosions.

Indicator Species – Snake presence often indicates a healthy ecosystem, rich in biodiversity.

Without snakes, Sydney would see increased rat populations, crop damage, and ecological imbalance.

Recommendations for Sydney Residents
‍
✅ Maintain Your Yard – Trim vegetation, mow lawns, and clear away clutter.
✅ Seal Gaps and Holes – Prevent snakes from entering homes, sheds, and garages.
✅ Monitor Pets – Keep dogs and cats supervised, especially near bushland edges.
✅ Install Mesh Screens – Over drains and vents to block snake entry points.
✅ Stay Aware Outdoors – Wear shoes in long grass and use a torch at night.
✅ Call a Professional – Never attempt to handle or kill a snake. Licensed catchers ensure safe relocations.

Professional Snake Relocations in Sydney
Snake sightings are part of life in Sydney — but they don’t have to be dangerous. If you encounter a snake in your backyard, shed, or home, always call a licensed professional.

📞 Shire Snake Wranglers – 24/7 Sydney Snake Catchers
For expert advice and safe relocations across Sydney, call 0428 458 856.

#Sydney #SnakeRelocation #SnakeCatcherSydney #ShireSnakeWranglers