“The Only Good Snake is a Living One: Wake Up, Australia!”
, by Majella Gee, 6 min reading time
So, someone on Facebook said, "The only good snake is a dead snake." Really? It’s this kind of ignorance that makes me want to slap people in the face with a shovel (metaphorically speaking, of course). Snakes are absolutely crucial to our ecosystem, especially here in Australia. I’m not saying you need to invite them over for a barbecue, but killing them? That’s where you’ve got it all wrong.
We live in Australia, folks—a country full of some of the world’s deadliest creatures, and guess what? We need them. Yes, even the snakes. So, let’s get real, stop acting like morons, and learn how to live alongside these essential creatures without doing harm.
Snakes: Essential, Not Evil
Red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)
Let’s clear something up right now: snakes aren’t out to get you. They don’t wake up in the morning thinking, “Can’t wait to chase a human today.” They’re on the move because they’re hunting prey (like rats and mice) or looking for a mate. And here’s where they become your best mate—rodent control. Snakes help manage the pest population, which, if left unchecked, would leave your house and yard infested with rats. So the next time you think about killing a snake, maybe thank it first for keeping your property rodent-free.
Why Are Snakes on the Move?
We’re heading into spring and summer, so temperatures are rising, and snakes are becoming more active. They’re not "moving in"—they’re simply doing their job: hunting, seeking warmth, or finding a mate. This time of year, they’re more visible, and yes, you’re more likely to run into one. But that’s no reason to panic. Snakes want nothing to do with you. They’re more scared of us than we are of them (though, I’ll admit, it doesn’t always feel like it).
What NOT to Do When You See a Snake
Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
First things first—don’t be an idiot. Killing snakes is illegal in Australia. More than that, it’s destructive and shortsighted. Snakes aren’t the problem. People who kill snakes are. Here’s a quick guide to what NOT to do if you come across a snake:
- Don’t chase it. Snakes aren’t interested in a brawl—they just want to be left alone.
- Don’t try to kill it. Seriously. It’s not only cruel, it’s illegal. Plus, most snake bites happen when someone is trying to kill a snake.
- Don’t freak out in front of your kids. If you’re screaming and swinging a shovel, guess what your kids are going to learn? Fear. And ignorance. Teach them respect for wildlife instead.
What to Do When You Encounter a Snake
- Stay calm. Snakes are not looking to pick a fight. Give them space, and they’ll move along.
- Call a professional. If a snake has wandered somewhere dangerous—like your house or backyard—call a licensed snake catcher. They’ll remove it safely without harming it.
- Keep your yard clean. Snakes are attracted to clutter. Piles of wood, debris, and long grass are perfect hiding spots for them and their prey. Keeping your yard tidy means fewer reasons for snakes to stick around.
Living with Snakes Doesn’t Mean Living in Fear
We’ve got to stop thinking of snakes as the enemy. They’re part of our natural environment, and our ecosystem relies on them. Did you know that only about 10-20% of snake eggs make it to adulthood? Between natural predators, habitat loss, and human interference, it’s a tough life being a snake. But the few that do survive are crucial for keeping rodent populations down.
Think you’ve got pest problems now? Try wiping out your local snake population and watch how fast rats and mice take over.
Snake-Proofing Your Yard (Without Killing Anything)
So, what if you want to reduce the chances of snakes slithering around your space without, you know, murdering them? Here are a few natural tips:
- Plant snake-deterrent plants: Some plants are said to deter snakes, like marigolds, lemongrass, and wormwood, though the effectiveness varies. It’s worth trying these in your garden to create a less inviting environment.
- Use natural barriers: Keeping your yard free of clutter is a no-brainer, but you can also create natural barriers with gravel or prickly plants that snakes dislike slithering through.
- Frequency-based deterrents: Some people swear by frequency-based snake deterrents. These devices emit vibrations that snakes dislike, causing them to avoid the area. While I can’t vouch for their effectiveness, they’re worth a shot—and they’re non-lethal.
From the Snake’s Perspective
Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)
Imagine being a snake in Australia right now. Your habitat is shrinking because of deforestation and urban sprawl. Your food sources are drying up because of pesticides. And, on top of that, you’re being hunted down by humans who think you’re out to get them. You’re just trying to survive in an environment that’s becoming more hostile every day. It’s hard enough being a snake—humans don’t need to make it worse.
Why the Future Depends on Us (and Our Kids)
Look, if we keep reacting out of fear, the only thing we’re teaching the next generation is to be as ignorant as we are. Parents, I’m talking to you. The way you react to a snake is the way your kids will react, too. If you panic, scream, and reach for a shovel, guess what? That’s exactly what your kids are going to do. But if you stay calm and teach them to respect wildlife, they’ll carry that knowledge forward. Our kids are the ones who will be living with these creatures long after we’re gone. Let’s make sure they inherit a world that still values its native wildlife.
Conclusion: Stop Killing Snakes and Start Educating Yourself
Common Tree Snake - Dendrelaphis punctulatus
The only good snake is a living snake. If you see one, don’t react out of fear—educate yourself. Snakes play a vital role in keeping Australia’s ecosystem balanced and killing them only causes more harm than good. Stay calm, stay informed, and teach your kids to do the same.
If you don’t want snakes around your yard, tidy up, use natural deterrents, and call a professional if you need help. Just stop acting like snakes are out to get you. They’re not. We need them a hell of a lot more than they need us.
Author: Majella Gee
Main image: Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
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