Look out, snakes about

Residents and visitors to the Sunshine Coast are advised to be alert to active snakes in the region.

Snakes are known to be active during the summer months and numerous sightings of eastern brown snakes have already been reported in the coastal dune area, including our beach accesses.

People coming across a snake on our beaches or parks should stay calm and leave it alone. When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people.

Snakes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and it is an offence to kill, injure or take snakes from the wild. It is also illegal to have them relocated by anyone other than an authorised snake catcher.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) advises that snakes usually prefer to retreat when encountered, but can become defensive if threatened.

Most bites are received by people who try to capture or kill a snake.

Residents reporting snakes on private property should contact a licensed snake catcher. (A fee may be charged for this service.)

Council does not provide a snake catching service nor are council staff trained or authorised under Queensland legislation to handle snakes.

For more advice refer to the DEHP website and search for ‘snakes’.