Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all. Around mid-day today my wife spotted this snake in our backyard here in Greensborough (Victoria, Australia) eyeing off the neighbours cat. Although the photo suggests that it's green my memory tells me it was more of a brown colour. It was around a meter long... any help identifying it would be much appreciated!

http://www.mrated.com/images/snake/snake1.jpg
http://www.mrated.com/images/snake/snake2.jpg

I'm no expert on Australian elapids, but from that photo that snake looks like an Eastern Brownsnake.

It is highly venomous and should be left alone. If it is an area where it might injure pets or people, you should have it removed by an experienced snake removal service.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Thanks for the response. I did a quick Google Images search for the brownsnake you mentioned and it looks about right. I clicked through a few links and it mentioned that it rears up which is what the one we had did. We have an open paddock behind our property which is where it headed off after not killing our neighbours cat so I don't know if it'd be possible to find it again. Any hints on how to deter one entering our property again?

The best way to control snakes in an area is to reduce the two things they need - shelter and food.

Make sure there are no woodpiles, rubbish piles, or debris on the ground where they can hide. Keeping grass short around the area will also help.

Also make sure anything that could serve as food is minimized. I believe Eastern Browns feed mostly on rodents. Rodents do well in households where there is food available. Don't leave pet foods or feed for domestic animals in uncovered/unsealed containers. Again, short grass and open plantings reduce hiding areas for food as well.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Ever since you said it was the brown snake I've been reading a bit about them. Even our local council's website has quite a good amount of information about snakes (I'm guessing we have a lot in this area). Apparently they wander around at night too which makes seeing them even harder. I also found a chart showing causes of death by snake bite. Number 1 was tredding on the snake but number 2 was trying to kill them. I grew up in the country and my dad took me on a lot of bush walks but seeing one right outside my window was a bit of a shock.

that the eastern brown is also well known for being extremely aggressive. Follow the adivce that the other poster gave you and if he/she returns, call a removal service. Perhaps have them give you a few tips on how to get rid of the critter nicely. Above all else, don't confront the animal, let him weave his way out of your yard undetoured.

I've read that about them... they're agressive but will leave you alone if you don't pose a threat. It's the first snake of any kind of seen in the year we've lived here so hopefully it's not a frequent occurence.