As temperatures rise across the nation's capital, Canberra schools are reporting increased encounters with native wildlife, including snakes. The ACT Education Directorate has issued formal guidance to educators on how to manage and deter reptiles on school grounds following a series of sightings.
Official Sightings and Immediate Response Protocols
In the year 2025, there were eight confirmed sightings of snakes in or near ACT government schools. Each incident is formally recorded by the education directorate, which then communicates directly with the affected school community.
A spokesperson for the directorate confirmed that this communication advises of the sighting and reinforces the critical importance of exercising caution. The core safety message is unequivocal: do not approach a snake. "People are most likely to be bitten when attempting to kill or handle a snake," the official advice states.
The prescribed response protocol is clear. Staff must keep students and others away from the area where the snake was seen. An adult should maintain visual contact with the reptile from a safe distance while a licensed snake removal service is contacted to handle the capture and relocation.
Preventative Measures to Deter Snakes
Beyond reactive measures, schools are encouraged to adopt proactive strategies to make their grounds less attractive to snakes. Key recommendations focus on habitat management and pest control.
Maintaining clean and rubbish-free outdoor areas is a primary deterrent. This includes properly managing compost heaps, which can provide shelter. Schools that keep animals such as chickens or rabbits are given specific advice to minimise food wastage from grain-fed animals. This helps control rodent populations, which are a primary food source for snakes and can attract them onto the property.
A Part of Life in the Bush Capital
A local Canberra snake catcher reminded the community that encounters with snakes are an inherent part of living in the "bush capital." The expert emphasised that snakes are generally not aggressive and will typically retreat if given space. The philosophy of coexistence is simple: if you leave the snake alone, it is likely to leave you alone.
The combination of official protocols, preventative maintenance, and a respectful understanding of local wildlife aims to ensure safety for students and staff as they navigate the unique environment of Canberra's educational institutions.
