Snake Encounters on the Rise in NSW — What You Need to Know
Reports from wildlife services and snake catchers across New South Wales show that snake encounters have risen by around 35% compared to previous years.
Why the Numbers Are Increasing
Several environmental and seasonal factors are driving the spike:
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Recent weather events across NSW — alternating drought, heavy rainfall, and flooding — have boosted vegetation growth and created ideal breeding conditions for small prey animals such as rats, mice, and frogs. With food more plentiful than usual, snakes are more active and venturing further in search of prey.
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Warmer winters and earlier spring heat are shortening the period snakes remain dormant (brumation), meaning they’re emerging earlier and staying active for longer.
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Urban expansion continues to push into bushland and grassland areas, reducing natural habitat and bringing snakes closer to residential zones, worksites, and campgrounds.
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Bushfire recovery and regrowth have restored dense ground cover across large parts of regional NSW, creating more shelter and hunting opportunities for snakes and their prey.
Together, these conditions have led to more snake sightings across Sydney, the Hunter Valley, the Central Coast, and the Northern Rivers. Snake catchers and wildlife response teams have all noted a significant increase in call-outs this season.
The message isn’t panic — it’s preparation.
Why Every Australian Should Carry a Snake Bite Kit
Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world, but fatalities are extremely rare thanks to fast emergency response and correct first aid.
Having a dedicated snake bite kit means you’re equipped to apply the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) — the nationally recognised method to slow venom movement through the lymphatic system.
A proper kit contains wide elastic bandages with tension indicators, a splint, a marker, and clear instructions — equipment not normally included in general first aid kits.
What To Do if Bitten by a Snake
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Get everyone clear of the snake.
Move yourself and the casualty out of striking range; don’t try to kill or capture it. -
Call 000 immediately.
Tell them it’s a suspected snake bite and follow the operator’s instructions. -
Reassure the person and keep them still.
Movement increases lymphatic flow and spreads venom faster. -
Do not wash, cut, or suck the bite area.
Any venom residue on the skin or clothing may help identify the species at hospital — keep it intact. -
Apply a firm pressure bandage directly over the bite site.
Wrap twice over the bite area to apply steady, even pressure. -
Mark the bite site on top of the initial bandage.
Use a pen or marker if available. -
Continue bandaging down toward the fingers or toes, then back up the entire limb.
Each turn should overlap by half; the bandage should be firm but not painfully tight. -
Immobilise the limb with a splint or rigid support.
Keep the limb completely still — do not remove the bandage once applied. -
Keep the person lying flat and quiet.
Do not allow walking or unnecessary movement; monitor breathing and comfort. -
Wait for emergency services to arrive.
Stay with the casualty, keep them calm, and provide information to paramedics.
Be Ready — Wherever You Work, Camp, or Explore
Whether you’re fishing, camping, working outdoors, relaxing at home, spending a day at the beach, or even travelling in your car, being prepared is part of being Australian.
Snakes aren’t limited to bushland — encounters are increasingly common around homes, sheds, gardens, and even coastal walking tracks where signs now warn of their presence.
At Lovell Rigs First Aid Supplies, we stock Australian-standard snake bite kits containing everything required for effective first response — including compression bandages, splints, markers, and step-by-step instructions.
Because when it matters most, it’s often “the kit between you and 000” that makes all the difference.