Snake Safety: What to know before you visit the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) provides expert veterinary care to sick, injured and orphaned Australian native wildlife across the Northern Rivers. As wildlife experts, they are passionate about helping people safely coexist with the incredible native species that call our region home.

As the weather warms, snakes become more active and it’s not unusual to see them on or near the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Snakes often bask on warm pathways in the morning or move through surrounding bushland in search of food, water or shelter.

While seeing a snake can be unsettling, it’s important to remember that snakes are a protected part of Australia’s unique wildlife and play a vital role in healthy ecosystems by helping control rodents and other pests. They are generally shy animals and prefer to avoid people whenever possible.

Most snake bites occur when a snake is accidentally stepped on, cornered or someone attempts to catch, handle or kill it.

Snakes that call the Northern Rivers home

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail passes through forests, farmland, wetlands and bushland that provide habitat for a variety of native snake species. Most visitors won’t see one, but these snakes call the trail home

Along the Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek section of the trail, a range of species reside:

• Eastern Brown Snake
• Red-bellied Black Snake
• Carpet Python
• Green Tree Snake
• Common Tree Snake
• Keelback (Freshwater Snake)

Along the Casino to Lismore section of the trail, similar species live:

• Eastern Brown Snake
• Red-bellied Black Snake
• Carpet Python
• Green Tree Snake
• Common Tree Snake
• Marsh Snake
• Keelback (Freshwater Snake)

There are also other native snake species found throughout the Northern Rivers.

Importantly, never approach a snake to identify it. Some harmless species closely resemble venomous ones, and even experienced wildlife professionals avoid handling snakes unless they are trained, licensed and equipped to do so.

The safest approach is to treat every snake with respect, keep your distance and allow it to move away naturally.

Spotted a snake? Here are four steps to stay safe

If you encounter a snake while you are exploring on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail:

1. Stay calm and stop a safe distance away and avoid sudden movements.
2. Give the snake plenty of space and stay well back and allow the snake an escape route. Never try to touch, move or handle it.
3. Be patient, as most snakes prefer to avoid people and will often move away if given the opportunity. If a snake is crossing the trail or basking in the sun, simply wait for it to move on. Never try to encourage it to move by throwing objects, spraying water or approaching it.
4. Warn other trail users as they approach. Let them know a snake is ahead so they can slow down and keep their distance. Keep children close and dogs on a lead. Pets and curious children are more likely to approach wildlife than adults.

Six ways to stay snake aware, not snake scared

1. Stay on the trail at all times and avoid walking through long grass or dense vegetation.
2. Consider wearing enclosed shoes and long pants.
3. Watch where you place your hands and feet, particularly around rocks, logs and leaf litter.
4. Keep children nearby and dogs on a short lead at all times.
5. Carry a mobile phone and know your location in case of an emergency.
6. Always carry a First Aid Kit with a snake bite bandage.

Cyclists should always ride at a safe speed that allows them to see wildlife ahead on the trail. Snakes may be difficult to spot until you’re quite close, particularly in warm weather.

This blog was written in partnership with Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital. Find out more about native wildlife on their website

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