25/07/2025
Eastern Brown snake sightings are being reported frequently along beach and bush footpaths in the Northern Rivers on sunny days around this time of the year, and more frequently during the warmer months.
It is important to remember that these snakes are not out to get you. It is their domain and they are quite used to seeing people and dogs going past them! The snakes are highly vigilant and will react by going back into hiding if approached.
When you’re out beaching & bushing, stay alert along the paths! Keep an eye on the ground and surrounding areas. What to do if you see an eastern brown snake?
Always give the snake space to feel safe. The bigger the snake, the bigger the allowed space. Trying to provoke or move a snake can lead to a dangerous situation.
When eastern brown snakes feel highly threatened they will hiss and sit up straight into striking position. They’ll sway and open their mouths to warn you that they are ready for fight or flight, the next move depends on You. They will be watching your every move. This is when you visibly freeze, hold for a few seconds and you will see the snake will mirror your behaviour. The snake will calm when you do. They are triggered by movement in that sort of situation. You then back away from the snake slowly and you’ll see how they back away too.
When a venomous snake has a frightening experience they flee to their home or known shelter for safety. If you happen to be in the way of their safe space they will head straight in your direction. This is when you stand still and allow it to pass. Don’t run! Snake catchers often have brown snakes crawling over or near their feet when releasing them, but because we’re calm around snakes and know to be still, they are not even aware that they’ve come into contact with us.
Here are some tips for co-existing with eastern brown snakes, and other venomous snakes, in public areas.
Litter & food: litter/food bring rats and rats bring snakes so avoid leaving a trail for rats to clean up.
Stick to paths: snakes learn from repeated behaviour by us. If you stick to established footpaths there is little chance of an accidental confrontation with a snake.
Lingering leads to mischief: when taking dogs out for a walk, just keep moving in a purposeful direction. Dogs get bored when their people delay and will start sniffing around & exploring off the path. This is when they could come nose-to-nose with a snake and the snake wont hesitate to strike if encroached upon or stood on. Snakes sometimes sit very close to the edge of a path where there is a clearing for some sun.
Rocks: snakes and rocks are best friends, they provide nice, warm cavities and hiding places for snakes, so be careful where you tread.
Long grass is also where you’ll often see snakes slither into, avoid wherever you can and wear protective shoes and pants if you’re going through unpathed territory. A venomous snake is only dangerous if stood on or hassled.
Know your snakes! Get familiar with our local species, how they look and what to expect. Check out previous posts on this page for pictures of local snakes & information 🤗
A few days ago while walking our dogs at the Bexhill oval, Missy, our snake-dog found a big brown snake alongside our path (pictured) and they both just regarded each other with no defensive behaviour from the snake. It was the distance and her calm demeanour that stopped the snake from being alarmed.
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