Snakes are in the Blue Mountains, but they’re more scared of you than you are scared of them!
The Blue Mountains are home to an array of exciting and beautiful wildlife that you can spot on any walk.
But of course, there are some snakes in the Blue Mountains. Snakes have a reputation for being some of the most poisonous in the country.
Australia is the land of the deadly eastern brown snake, as well as several different venomous snake species. But don’t worry! They are far more scared of you.
That means they’ll want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. When it comes to snakes, the feeling is mutual – both humans and snakes want to avoid each other!
The eastern brown snake does live in the Blue Mountains, along with the venomous red-bellied python.
If you’re going for a walk through the bushland in the Blue Mountains, there is a chance that snakes could be around the area.
It’s a good idea to get up to speed with your snake knowledge, and once you learn the basics about snakes, you’ll know how to avoid them.
Here’s what you need to know about snake safety
Here are some easy-to-follow snake safety tips that will help you stay alert when you’re walking around the Blue Mountains.
- Watch your step along the ground: Snakes are camouflaged into their environment, so just keep an eye on the ground upcoming.
- Be noisy: Snakes get spooked by noises! Make lots of noise as you’re hiking – this will give the snake some escape time, and it’ll get out of your way before it feels threatened enough to react.
- Solo hiking? Try stomping or playing some music, or wear something that makes a sound as you walk
- Stick to the trail: Opt for a bushwalk that has a designated trail carved out, and avoid grassy areas. Some bushlands will have a platform to walk on, which is above grassy areas
- Wear protective clothing: Wear enclosed shoes, cover your legs, and maybe wear a hat
- Leave it alone: If you see a snake on your hike, leave it alone!
- If the snake won’t move? Turn back or choose a different path
- Don’t interact: Don’t try and touch the snake, capture it, or aggravate it
- Know how to get help: Download the local emergency services app – this could help you easily share coordinates with any local services. The emergency number in Australia is 000.
But don’t worry – you’ve got far more chance of seeing a snake around a home than out in the bush!
Don’t let this put you off bushwalking in the Blue Mountains!
4 reassuring facts about snakes
- Snakes are beneficial to the environment because they help keep rodent populations down. We need snakes to clear out the rodents!
- Snake venom is useful to a snake. Their venom is mainly for killing prey. Australia is home to 140 species of land snakes and 32 species of sea snakes.
- Snakes want to avoid you! They’re shy and scared of humans
- By learning about the different snakes and their environments, you can choose the best locations and times to go for a bushwalk.
Join a Blue Mountains walking tour!
To experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains, we recommend doing a guided walking tour! You’ll be guided by a ranger who is knowledgeable about the native Aussie bushland and all of its flora and fauna – including snakes!