SNAKEs IN THE SOUTHERN DOWNS
Expert identification and safety guidance for Queensland wildlife
THE SOUTHERN DOWNS ECOSYSTEM
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt region is home to a diverse array of reptile species, thriving within a complex mosaic of sclerophyll forests and rocky outcrops. Understanding these local inhabitants is the first step toward safe coexistence. From the highly significant Brown Snake to the nocturnal Bandy-Bandy, the local biodiversity requires a technical and informed approach to management and relocation.
Venomous Species Profiles
Eastern Brown Snake
Fast-moving, aggressive, and highly venomous. Responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in Australia.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Tiger Snake
Often found near water. Possesses potent neurotoxic venom. Distinctive banding patterns make them easily recognizable.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Death Adder
The master of camouflage. Ambush predator with a triangular head and a short, thick body. Highly dangerous if disturbed.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Red-Bellied Black Snake
Known for its ability and appetite to eat other snakes. Dangerously venomous to humans.Â
HIGHLY VENOMOUS
Eastern Small-Eyed Snake
Often confused for a juvenile Red-bellied Black, but it's a different snake entirely and has a pink underbelly.Â
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
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Pale-Headed Snake
a shy, nocturnal snake with a distinctive cream-coloured head that primarily feeds on small reptiles and poses little threat if left undisturbed.
VENOMOUS
Yellow-Faced Whipsnake
A fast-moving, slender snake that actively hunts lizards and frogs during the day.
MILDLY VENOMOUS
Brown Tree Snake
A slender, nocturnal climber that feeds on birds, reptiles and small mammals, and is commonly found in trees and around homes.
MILDLY VENOMOUS
Spotted-Black Snake
A large, glossy black snake with distinctive pink or red markings along its sides, commonly found near waterways where it hunts frogs and small reptiles.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Rough-Scaled Snake
Fast-moving, aggressive, and highly venomous. Responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in Australia.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Stephens Banded Snake
Often found near water. Possesses potent neurotoxic venom. Distinctive banding patterns make them easily recognizable.
VENOMOUS
Marsh Snake
The master of camouflage. Ambush predator with a triangular head and a short, thick body. Highly dangerous if disturbed.
MILDLY VENOMOUS
Dwyers Snake
This small nocturnal species located in open woodlands, grasslands also known as the 'variable black-naped snake'. It can grow to around 30 cm in length.
WEAKLY VENOMOUS
Non-Venomous Species Profiles
Coastal Carpet Python
Fast-moving, aggressive, and highly venomous. Responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in Australia.
NON-VENOMOUSÂ
Common Tree Snake
Often found near water. Possesses potent neurotoxic venom. Distinctive banding patterns make them easily recognizable.
NON-VENOMOUS
Keelback Snake
The master of camouflage. Ambush predator with a triangular head and a short, thick body. Highly dangerous if disturbed.
NON-VENOMOUS
SAFETY FIRST: DO NOT APPROACH
Encounters with snakes in urban environments require focused action and zero physical contact. Following these protocols minimizes risk to you and the animal.
1. Maintain Distance
Keep at least 5 meters away at all times. Most bites occur when people attempt to move or kill a snake.
2. Visual Monitoring
From a safe distance, keep your eyes on the snake. Knowing its location is critical for the catcher's swift intervention.
3. Secure Pets & Children
Move animals and family members to a locked indoor area. Curiosity can lead to dangerous close encounters.
4. Call Professional Support
Contact our 24/7 dispatch immediately. Do not try to handle the situation with domestic tools or sprays.