What to do if you see a snake on
your property

See the safe first steps for a snake in your house, backyard, shed or acreage property around Camden, NSW.

Stop and create distance

Seeing a snake on your property can be unsettling, but moving closer usually makes the situation less predictable. Stop where you are, step back slowly and keep a clear barrier or generous distance between you and the snake. Do not touch it, throw objects, use a hose, set a trap or attempt to move it with household tools.

Snakes can be difficult to identify accurately, especially when they are partly hidden or moving. Treat every snake as potentially dangerous and make safety decisions based on distance rather than appearance. Our Camden snake species guide explains local records and habitats, but is not a tool for deciding whether a snake is safe to approach.

Move children, visitors and pets away

Bring dogs and cats indoors or secure them in a separate closed area. Ask children and visitors to move away calmly and make sure nobody circles the snake to get a better view. If a pet might have made contact, read what to do when a snake and a pet meet and contact an emergency vet immediately. If the sighting is near a shared driveway, workplace or public access point, warn others without approaching the animal.

If the snake is inside your house

• Leave the room and keep everyone out.
• Close an internal door only if you can reach it without moving toward the snake.
• Place a towel along the closed door gap if it can be done safely from outside the room.
• Do not move furniture or search cupboards after the snake disappears.

Keep your own exit clear. Never place yourself between the snake and a doorway simply to contain it.

If the snake is in your backyard

Bring people and pets inside and leave the snake a clear path. From an already safe location, note whether it is near a fence, garden bed, retaining wall, pool, shed or outdoor furniture. Do not block its direction of travel or follow it around the property.

If it enters a shed or garage

Stop work in the area and do not shift boxes, tools, machinery or stored materials. Close the space only when that can be done without going near the snake. Remember the last place it was visible and prevent anyone else from entering. For outbuilding-specific steps, see the shed and garage snake safety guide.

If you lose sight of the snake

Do not begin searching through likely hiding places. Keep children and pets out, leave the area quiet and tell the snake catcher exactly where and when it was last seen. The last known position is more useful than taking risks to find it again.

Should you take a photograph?

A photograph may help only when it can be taken from your existing safe position. Never move closer, crouch beside the snake or delay calling to get a better image. A photo is optional; your suburb, property type and the snake’s last known location are the most important details.

What to tell the snake catcher

• Your suburb and the safest property entrance.
• Whether the snake is indoors, outside or in an outbuilding.
• Its last known position and whether it is still visible.
• Whether children, pets or other people are nearby.

Call for local snake removal help

Camden Snake Catchers 24/7 takes snake catching and removal enquiries from Camden, Macarthur, Wollondilly, south-west Sydney and surrounding Western Sydney service areas. Calling is the quickest way to explain an active sighting. Availability and timing depend on the location and circumstances.