Riverina Reptile Relocation

12/06/2026

Good evening/day folks,

Usually each season I get several calls regarding these fellas, Lace Monitors (Varanus Varius), though in the last few months the calls have been a little more frequent than usual. My last call regarding one just a few days ago. So, here's a little info on this beautiful big lizard, as well as some questions answered as per the questions I'm asked.

The lace monitor is Australia's second largest lizard, and the seventh largest lizard in the world. They grow on average around 6.5 feet though have recorded weight up to 15kg or so. I'll pose a couple questions here with answers in order to help educate around these gorgeous specimens.

Q 1) Snakes are generally solitary, are Lace Monitors also?

Q 1A) Yes, Lace Monitors are also solitary. They don't live with other monitors. Each monitor species around the world is completely different in how they live, feed and act.

Q 2. I've heard they're venomous. Is this true?

Q 2A) Yes, ALL monitors are MILDLY venomous. Hospitalisation for a monitor bite is usually based on ligament damage and not from venom effects.

Q 3) Are they nomadic (travel around) like the Eastern Brown Snake does?

Q 3A) No, the lace monitor generally picks a territory and lives and hunts there. They aren't known to travel around.

Q 4) Where do they live?

Q 4A) Unlike terrestrial snakes that live under rocks, tree stumps and rabbit warrens, Lace Monitors are superb climbers and can easily scale a tree. Generally you'll find them in tree hollows up high in the gum trees away from predators.

Q 5) Are they dangerous to humans? Will they attack me if they see me?

Q 5A) Lace Monitors will avoid conflict at all costs. Like any wild animal, if cornered kr grabbed they will defend themselves though they aren't known to attack. The damage can be incredibly high from a two metre lizard with Razor sharp teeth, long sharp claws and a tail that does high damage in itself. Avoid grabbing one and call a professional if needed.

Q 6) What risk do Lace Monitors pose to our pets?

Q 6A) Lace Monitors like I mentioned are a huge lizard 🦎. Unfortunately for us, they view our eggs, fowl, cats and small dogs like prey due to their size and our pets smaller size. If you have Lace Monitors around and you don't want them relocated then the best thing you can do for your pets is to lock them up safe inside. Small dogs and cats do NOT stand a chance with such a big lizard.

Q 7) Are Lace Monitors diurnal (day) or nocturnal (night)?

Q 7A) Lace Monitors are diurnal and will often be found sunning on exceptionally hot days due to their requirements for a far hotter body heat than other reptiles.

Here's some quick info about Monitors you may not be aware of:

ALL monitors are highly intelligent, and their ability to store memory (spatial memory), problem solve and recognise individual people is similar to that of parrots 😲. Like all reptiles they become less active during the colder months. If you do happen to see one, and needs removing then please feel free to call. NEVER attempt to catch, injure or kill them as it is both a criminal act, as well as highly dangerous. Severe bites from Lace Monitors can even in some cases damage the hands completely.

Amour Renard

Riverina Reptile Relocation

0421449451

www.riverinareptilerelocation.com.au

www.survivalfirstaidkits.com.au DSC Code: RIVREP10 for 10% off.

Riverina Reptile Relocation on YouTube.

01/06/2026

Snake season as we know it is over. Here's some facts about snakes during the colder months, and why the cold is just well as their breeding cycle and why they are important as the heat.

On this post I'll be discussing 'brumation'. What it is, how it works and how you can keep safe as well as being educated, as cold has value to snakes.

1.Q

What is 'brumation'?

1.A

Brumation is similar to hibernation, though there are distinct differences. Hibernation is where a mammal such as the well known example of a bear goes away for the winter and doesn't generally leave their den. They remain in an inactive state and don't reappear until spring where it's warm.
Brumation varies from this. Brumation is where for example a snake becomes far less active, though once a month or so may come up on a warm day to sun such as 12⁰c days or higher. If we're in for a few warm days then they may even squeeze (pun intended) a small meal. Nothing too large as they need heat to digest otherwise they will regurgitate or become ill from it rotting.

2.Q

Where do snakes go to brumate?

2.A

Snakes will go to various places such as under large rock crevices, hollowed out logs, or anywhere else they will they can hide out to avoid being disturbed. I've even pulled multiple Brown snakes from the same hole in the ground of man made structures. They also can hide out down in abandoned rabbit holes.

3.Q

Why is the cold weather so important for snakes 🐍?

3.A

Snakes like other reptiles need their body to cool down, otherwise they are infertile.
Unless they cool down, the snake may try to mate though both genders will be unable to reproduce. They rest up, lose some body weight during this season thus coming out in spring ravenous for their prey. Females upon becoming gravid (carrying young/eggs) will be unable to eat as pregnancy progresses. She needs to eat, and eat well while she not only carries eggs, though also sits on them.

Fun Fact: While Eastern Brown Snakes are known to be solidarity, during brumation they can be seen sheltering in the same dens in order to keep warm and safe from the cold.

4. Q

Can you tell which snake is male and which is female by looking at them?

4.A

The simple answer, yes. While I'd never encourage anyone to go in for a closer look, due to safety concerns, telling the gender of a snake is as simple as looking at it's tail.
The tail on a female snake will go from fill width of the snake down to a short little tail, whilst a males tail tapers off gradually. Why this makes sense is as follows.
Male Snakes like other reptiles contain a hemipenes. What this is two sets of male genitalia in a prong like look which are stored below the cloaca (the vent to which they mate, urinate, defecate, give birth or lay eggs from. The males need this extra room for their genitalia. Female snakes on the other hand do not. Their reproductive system including eggs or live young are stored above the cloaca. Having a female ar your place is sure to attract males seeking a mate during the breeding season. They will leave their hiding hole and come out to feast. Once their bodies have cooled, warmed up and fed they will then look to mate.

5.Q

Keep safe in winter?? There's no snakes about!! Why?

5. A

Yes, this is true. They aren't out and about though they don't disappear from the planet. They hide away in all sorts of places where there is inactivity such as inactive barns, sheds, water pipes and others. You could be out working and go to move a rock or log and find a sleeping snake or even a few. While winter poses far less risk, take precaution such as checking as best you can and ensure you have full view of where you're walking. Especially on a warm winters day.

6. Q

What should I do in winter if I see a snake?

6. A

If you see a snake brumating, leave it be. It is likely cold and thus hardly able to move or react like they do in heat. If it's in your property in a place it shouldn't be for safety concerns, feel free to call me for safe and professional removal.

Lastly, there's no reason to fear snakes. The fear we have is what they venom could do to us, rather than understanding what their venom is designed for. Their venom is designed firstly for their prey, and if required also for something that poses a risk to their safety. Like the kangaroo, koala, echidna, wombat ect they are one of Australia's beautiful native animals who like others only seek food, shelter and safety. They want to avoid us at all costs though in their hunt for the three mentioned above needs sometimes come into contact with us. What happens in these situations depends on us. They help farmers out to keep rodents under control. They help keep mice and rats away from the eggs in your chicken nest.

If you do need a snake removed during this inactive time, I can be contacted on: 0421449451.

18/05/2026

Good evening all,

Here's some quick facts about Pseudonaja Textilis (Eastern Brown Snake).

In my job I come across many misconceptions and misinformation. Here are a few quick simple facts regarding the Eastern Brown Snake which is the world's 3rd fastest snake based on movement speed. Their top speed is around 19 km per hour. To put that into perspective, on average a human sprinting speed on average is 20 km per hour.

The only fact here I disagree with is the Eastern Brown being strictly diurnal (day time). In 40⁰c weather days, they're will stay out at night to gain warmth and do some hunting.

17/05/2026

Hey all,

Got a call late in the evening regarding a suspected Eastern Brown Snake. Was a bit dark though taking it out after and looking at it, it was in fact a children's Python.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

12/05/2026

Hey all,

On the news again today which I just recently made a post regarding snake safety this time of the year. Please read through it's safety tips and information to better educate yourselves.

12/05/2026

Good day all,

Amour Renard here from Riverina Reptile Relocation. I'd like to remind everyone to keep safe as we approach the cooler weather. Many are assuming snakes have gone away for the winter brumation, though it's not quite accurate.
Here's a few tips as well as facts regarding the current weather, the why, what you should do to keep safe.

1. Snakes can come out for a-bit of sun in temperatures as little as 14⁰c.

This can occur even in the winter, though we haven't hit consistent cooler temperatures as of yet. While most of our adult population has gone away, they're simply not as active, though still active while ever we have these warm temperatures.

2. Longer warm weather due to the El Nino.

Due to the fact we are currently in this weather pattern, our summers, springs and Autumns are warmer which is why snakes haven't gone away just yet. Many people assume that being in May snake season is over, though these weather patterns play a far more important part than many people realise.

So, what can you do to keep safe and understand when snakes might be out and about?

1. This time of year many people are cleaning their sheds, garages and other areas out in preparation for the winter. Keep an eye out for any visitors, and if it's a warm day, this is especially so.

2. If we've had a run of a few cooler day and night cycles, you'll find when we get a change to warmer days like the last few that snakes also notice this and come out to eat and get some sun. Plan your actions accordingly with your cleaning, as well as being outdoors.

3. If you do come across a snake, there's mo reason to harm it nor fear it. The snake is just as scared of you, as you are of it. Unless you're in striking range, simply leave the area carefully and more than likely seeing it's been spotted will also take off. However, if you wish for the snake to be removed then do not leave the area. Simply keep watch from a safe location. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your eyes on the snake. This means I have a far higher chance at removing the snake for you.

4. Don't slack off outdoors when gardening, bush walking or for the tradies out there with your PPE gear. More often than not, snakes pop up in places we least expect them to be and when we're not expecting them. You wouldn't believe the variety of places I've caught snakes from over the years.

5. What should you do if bitten or suspect you have? The most common snake you're likely to encounter is the Eastern Brown which has tiny 2.8mm fangs at best. Most people expect a bite to be felt, or even be painful. You may not feel anything at all, no sign of a bite can occur at the bite site. There's no written rule 100% of the time. It can even feel like a 'bump' and a snake moves off. If you've been bitten or feel a bump and suspect you may be, it's important to treat it like a potential bite. Don't panic, keep yourself calm and avoid moving around including playing with your phone. Thousands are bitten each year by venomous snakes in Australia each year and less than 5 people die from those bites. Your chance of survival is high, especially if you apply a SMART bandage and follow the advice I've written above.

6. When will the snakes finally go away to brumate (less active not like hibernation which is total isolation)?

When temperatures on a daily basis on average are not as warm. There needs to be motivation for a snake to come be out. Food is that motivation, and when we have minus temperatures at night and cool days then snakes are unable to digest their meals as they are thermo-regulated (not cold blooded). Snakes that cannot digest their meals will not be able to digest the meal and will regurgitate it to protect themselves otherwise it will rot and cause their demise. Snakes live a simple life. Heat, eat and mate.

7. I've heard snakes don't come out in winter as it's too cold. Is this true? No, not at all. During the winter they may come out on an especially warm day just to warm up as living under a rock, log or down a rabbit hole isn't the warmest experience. While this doesn't happen regularly, it still may occur once or twice a month depending on the weather.

8. What can I do to keep my pets safe from snakes? There are trainers out there that teach snake avoidance training which basically means your dog's are taught to when they see a snake to understand this is a high threat to their safety and to leave it alone. Snakes have no interest in your pet's though unfortunately I come across many situations where the pet's have an interest in the snake. Feel free to contact me if you wish to know more regarding this.

9. Understand while every snake has the potential to pose a danger to us, as a species they are not dangerous. Meaning they do not have any intent to harm us so long as we don't pose a threat to them. Rather than reach for something to harm it (95% of all snake bites occur this way) reach for the phone to have it relocated should it not be in a position to move on of it's own accord. Not every snake needs relocating, and many are just passing through.

10. Finally we come to babies. Understand that there are many myths and falsehoods surround baby snakes. I hear that 'they're not as venomous as adult snakes' also 'they aren't really venomous until they're older'. Another I hear is 'they can't regulate their venom'.

A) Baby snakes of all species are just as venomous as their adult counterparts, though their venom output is smaller. Don't underestimate their capabilities as they are still quite deadly.

B) Baby snakes are able to inflict a venomous bite from the moment they exit from their egg (in oviparous species meaning those that lay eggs such as the Eastern Brown Snake) and ovoviparous for those that give live birth such as Tiger Snakes, Red belly black snakes. Treat any baby snake with the same caution and first aid you would with an adult.

C) Most definitely venomous snakes can control their venom output. While I'm unsure as to where and how this myth got started, I can assure you it's simply that, a myth. It can take up to a few weeks for a snake to regain their venom back, and babies like to feed regularly (at least once a week). So it makes no sense at all that all their venom would go into a bite of a human, prey or other threat only to have to feed once a month due to lack of venom.

If you do have a snake you need relocated simply call me on 0421449451. I operate 24/7.

28/04/2026

Hey guys,

Got called to Tolland NSW for an Eastern Brown Snake who had been run over, who then took refuge in a community centre. Caught him easy enough, though I then upon learning he'd been run over felt he needed to attend a veterinary clinic so I took him to Moorong vet where WIRES kindly picked up the tab. Potential small fracture though though the head vet felt he'd be fine with release.

Released safely. Away from houses, main roads, people and businesses. Lady and her husband who follow me on Facebook saw the release just as I was doing it and had to a chat to them after.

Notice those beautiful black bands? Eastern Brown Snakes can come in numerous different patterns and colours. Some may have part banding or even full. Usually they lose it, though others also keep them until either adulthood or even for their entire life. Often enough, this black banding has them mistaken for Tiger Snakes.

Enjoy

Eastern Brown caught in Tolland NSW after hit by car

16/04/2026

Well, while snake season is a lot less active, it's not ENTIRELY over. This TINY Eastern Brown Snake was caught in Cootamundra only a few days ago. Really risky tailing something so small. Caught late in the arvo. Calls are now weekly with my last call being a 2 mtr. Lace Monitor in Griffith NSW. Ended up having to climb 20ft high up my ladder in the tree 😆.

TINY Eastern Brown Snake caught by pool late arvo in Coota 14/04/26

01/04/2026

Good afternoon all,

Amour here from Riverina Reptile Relocation. Snakes are still out and about, calls are still coming in.

If a snake is surrounded by a food source, they won't act the same as if they were simply discovered out and about.

Cornered snakes will display far greater defensive behaviour than one that has options. Youtube Riverina Reptile Relocation with my business logo for a video or two on defensive behaviour with snakes.

Babies which are still out and about are quite defensive and are NO less deadly than adults. They're going to begin brumation (snake type hibernation where they are far less active) over the next month or so. Expect snakes to be out looking for theie final food sources in order to keep a good weight over the winter.

Got a snake then give me a call 24/7 snake removal.

Amour: 0421449451