One of 26 king brown snakes hatched as part of a breeding program at the Australian Reptile Park on the NSW Central Coast. Image credit: Billy Collett / Australian Reptile Park
Snake activity spikes across Australia in spring and early summer—right when we’re out gardening, walking the dog, and hitting the bush tracks. Most of this uptick is driven by breeding. Here’s what that means for everyday Aussies, how to reduce risk at home and on the trail, and the exact ANZCOR first aid steps if someone is bitten.
When do Australian snakes breed?
Warmer weather triggers movement and mating. In many regions, breeding ramps up from late spring through early summer. You’ll see more snakes on the move, especially males covering distance to locate females. For example, eastern brown snakes are encountered most in spring and males become active earlier than females, which is why road sightings and backyard encounters jump at this time.
- Increased movement across yards, sheds, roads and tracks.
- Male–male combat (a twisting “wrestle”) to win access to females.
- Defensiveness when disturbed—snakes are focused on breeding and can startle easily.
Observation, not interference, is the safest approach. Give snakes space to leave.
How breeding season changes your risk profile
Backyards
Males following scent trails (prey and potential mates) cut through gardens. Dense groundcover, stacked timber, open compost and pet food bowls all increase the odds of a pass-through. Tidy yards are less attractive.
Sheds & Garages
Cluttered, cool spaces are appealing hideouts during stop-overs. Gaps under doors, torn mesh and debris piles create easy access and cover.
Bushwalks
Tracks that were quiet in winter see more traffic now. Step where you can see, wear boots, and keep dogs leashed so they don’t investigate movement off-track.
Pets
Dogs are bitten more often during breeding months because curiosity brings them too close. Train a reliable “leave it” and keep yards rodent-free to reduce snake appeal.
Simple prevention that actually works
- Keep lawns short; thin dense groundcover. Snakes prefer cover. Open sightlines lower surprise encounters.
- Declutter and elevate. Store timber neatly, raise items off the ground, and remove rubbish piles.
- Harden the perimeter. Seal gaps under shed and garage doors; repair flyscreens; fit door sweeps.
- Reduce attractants. Secure pet food, rodent-proof compost and chook feed; fix dripping taps and remove standing water.
- Dress for the terrain. Wear boots and long pants in long grass or leaf litter; use a torch at night.
- Never attempt to catch or kill a snake. It’s dangerous and often illegal. Call a licensed snake catcher if relocation is needed.
Tip: Keep a snake bite kit handy if you spend time outdoors. It makes applying first aid faster and more effective.
ANZCOR first aid: what to do if bitten
Australian snakes often deliver venom that travels via the lymphatic system. The gold-standard first aid is the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT), as recommended by ANZCOR. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Keep the person still and calm. Movement spreads venom faster.
- Do not wash, cut, or suck the bite. Do not apply a tourniquet. Do not give food, drink, or alcohol.
- Apply a pressure bandage. If on a limb, start over the bite site with a broad elastic bandage, then bandage the entire limb firmly from fingers/toes to groin/shoulder.
- Immobilise. Splint the limb and keep it at rest. Mark the bite site on the bandage if known.
- Monitor airway and breathing. Be ready to start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive.
- Stay with the patient until paramedics arrive. Hospitals can identify the venom and provide antivenom—no snake ID required.
To apply PIT properly, you need wide elastic bandages and a splint. Carrying a dedicated snake bite kit ensures you always have the right gear.
Be prepared: carry a proper snake bite kit
During breeding season, snakes are more active and the risk of unexpected encounters increases. A purpose-built snake bite kit gives you the right width elastic bandages and a splint so you can apply the Pressure Immobilisation Technique quickly and correctly. It’s lightweight and belongs in your 4WD, daypack, and home first aid station.
We’ve been in the first aid industry for 18 years. Along with supplying high-quality kits, we provide free training videos on how to use them—so you can practise before you ever need it.
FAQ
Do I need to know the species?
No. Don’t waste time chasing photos. Apply PIT, call 000, and keep still. Hospitals use venom detection and clinical signs to guide treatment.
What if the bite is on the body (not a limb)?
Apply firm direct pressure over the bite site and keep the person completely still while awaiting an ambulance.
Can I drive myself to hospital?
Don’t. Call 000. Movement increases venom spread and symptoms can escalate quickly.
Key takeaways
- Breeding season (spring–early summer) means more movement, more sightings, and more surprise encounters.
- Tidy yards, sealed sheds, and rodent control reduce visits.
- Wear boots, watch your step, leash dogs, and carry a snake bite kit.
- Know PIT and practise it. It saves lives.
References (Australian sources)
- ANZCOR Guideline 9.4.1 – Australian Snake Bite (April 2021)
- ANZCOR Guideline 9.4.8 – Pressure Immobilisation Technique
- NSW Emergency Care Institute – Snake & Spider Bite
- Australian Museum – Eastern Brown Snake: Seasonality & behaviour
- Queensland Government – Living with Snakes (backyard prevention)
Additional reading: ABC News coverage of snake breeding season trends.
