Snakes

Although not commonly found in City of Stonnington there have occasionally been sightings of snakes.

Removing a snake

It is illegal to kill a snake. The Department of Sustainability and Environment telephone 136 186 can arrange for a licensed commercial snake catcher to remove a snake.

Snakebites

Advice on snakebite is available from the Poisons Information Centre24 hours a day Ph: 13 11 26.

Reducing the risk of snake in your garden

The Department of Sustainability and Environment advises residents to:

• Clean up around the house, don't leave stacks of timber or sheets of iron lying about, as this is ideal temporary habitat; 
• Advise children that if they see a snake, to stay calm and walk away from it and tell an adult straight away;
• Keep grass and lawns cut short, snakes don't like open areas where they are vulnerable to predators; 
• Keep grain or pet food storage areas clean and tidy, these areas can attract mice, which are a favoured food supply for snakes; 
• Ensure garden rockeries and ferneries are kept clear and tidy, as they are cool places that attract snakes on warm days; and 
• Avoid walking around your backyard in bare feet, wear long protection on hot night and use a torch.