The combination of a rain-soaked spring and the intensifying heat of early summer has triggered a significant surge in snake activity across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region. Local snake catcher Bronte Hillen reports that pythons, red-bellied black snakes, and eastern browns are now highly active, driven by hunger and breeding instincts.
Why Snakes Are More Prevalent Now
According to Bronte Hillen, who has been fielding numerous callouts, the red-bellied black snake is currently the most commonly encountered species in the area. This is directly linked to the substantial rainfall and localised flooding experienced this year.
"Red bellies, they eat frogs," Ms Hillen explained. "So with the rain and flooding we have seen, you see more water, more frogs, which bring in the red bellies."
While eastern brown snakes are typically found further inland towards Maitland, they are also established within the city. Ms Hillen confirmed there is a known brown snake breeding area along the Nobbys boardwalk, and they have always been present around river systems. She noted that a drier summer could potentially shift the balance, making brown snake sightings more frequent.
Urban Expansion Fuels Human-Snake Encounters
The increasing frequency of encounters is not solely due to weather patterns. Rapid urban development is pushing further into natural bushland and scrub, disrupting snake habitats and forcing closer interactions with people.
"We are seeing so many new developments going in, so houses are going up all the time," Ms Hillen said. "This means snakes are losing their places to go. If you are seeing them in your backyard, just think about what is in your surrounding area. Has something happened to disturb them from their home?"
She urges residents to exercise patience, pointing out that snakes emerging from winter brumation often find their habitats altered or destroyed. The key advice is to never attempt to handle or remove a snake yourself. Instead, bring children and pets indoors, keep a safe distance, and contact a licensed professional.
Recent Encounters: From Pregnant Browns to Feisty Fighters
Ms Hillen's recent work highlights the varied nature of snake callouts. In one instance, she safely relocated a heavily pregnant eastern brown snake from a garden near Queens Wharf, adjacent to Scratchleys restaurant.
"Because this one was heavily pregnant, she did not want to go very far," Ms Hillen recalled. Upon capture, she realised the snake was "gravid," meaning full of eggs, rather than injured.
Another brown snake encounter at a worksite was far more confrontational. The snake, measuring approximately 150cm—the largest brown Ms Hillen has caught—was immediately defensive in the heat.
"He flared up right away. It's not aggression, he's just being defensive. He thinks I am a big snake out to get him," she said. "This guy put up a bit of a fight. He was whipping, dodging and dipping."
Ms Hillen's final message to the public is one of calm coexistence. She advises that if you spot a snake, like a red-belly, in your garden, monitor it from a safe distance as it may simply be passing through, especially during the breeding season. "Stay calm and remember snakes don't want to be around you at all. They are usually very shy and timid," she said. For peace of mind and safety, always call a licensed snake catcher for advice or assistance.
