By ANNA USHER

Lower north shore residents are being urged to watch where they step after a nest of eight snakes was found in a Cammeray backyard.

The discovery was made in a Cowdroy Ave backyard this week, with experts called in to capture and relocate the reptiles.

Identified as tree snakes with their vivid yellow colouring, the reptiles had been enjoying the sunshine in a rock garden, Harley Jones from Snakes in the City told Mosman Collective.

“Snakes are usually most active in October and November, but recent warm weather has led to a spike in snake activity,” he said.

Elsewhere, a Killarney Heights family returned home on Tuesday to find a mature diamond python on their front verandah.

“Although often unnoticed because of their slow-moving, nocturnal habits,
they can also be seen basking during the day,” Mr Jones said, “that makes the sunny porch setting consistent with known behaviour, rather than evidence that the snake was looking for trouble.”

The most common snakes in lower north shore bushland include Red Belly Black Snakes, Golden Crown Snakes, Common Tree Snakes, Whip Snakes and Marsh Snakes.

“We also get called out regularly to catch Blue Tongue Lizards,” Mr Jones said.

What to do if you see a snake:

• Give the reptile space and keep children and pets away.
•  Call a snake catcher and keep an eye on the snake if possible.
• Do not try to catch or kill the snake.

First aid for snake bites:

• Get the person away from the snake.
• Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
• Keep the bitten person still and help them stay calm.
• Apply a pressure bandage.
• Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person is unresponsive or not breathing normally.
• Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.

Below is a list of things you SHOULD NOT do after a snake bite.

• Do not wash the bite area – venom left on the skin and clothing can help identify the snake.
• Do not apply a tourniquet (a strap to stop blood flow).
• Do not cut the wound.
• Do not try to suck the venom (poison) out.
• Do not try to catch or kill the snake – many Australian snakes are protected species.

How to reduce snake encounters at home

While you cannot eliminate snakes, you can make your property less appealing by keeping grass trimmed, removing wood piles and debris, sealing gaps under doors, controlling rodent activity and supervising pets in the yard. Snakes generally avoid people and will move on when left undisturbed.

Snake safety in Mosman and North Sydney LGAs

Our proximity to bushland means wildlife encounters are part of the local lifestyle.
Snakes can be intimidating, but they play an important role in the ecosystem. A calm approach and knowing who to call helps keep everyone safe. For fast professional assistance, residents often rely on Harley’s business, Snakes in the City, for safe and expert snake removal across the North Shore.

Snakes in the City WEBSITE. Call: 0411 103 488