Hidden threat lurks in backyards, shocking Aussie gardeners—avoid deadly mistake

As Aussies embrace the sunshine and the joys of gardening, danger may be hidden among the greenery.

A recent incident has sparked a warning for gardeners, reminding them to stay alert to what might be lurking beneath the surface.

Even when it seems safe, risks can still be present in the most unexpected places.


Imagine the shock of finding a snake in your home, tracking it to a cupboard, and accidentally severing it in half while trying to prevent it from escaping.

This was the unfortunate scenario that unfolded in Stanhope Gardens last week.

The homeowners, in a panic, slammed their screen door on the snake, injuring it. Williams, who was called to the scene, highlighted a chilling fact: a snake can still bite and inject venom even when cut in half.


1741662234953.png
Gardeners warned of hidden snake risks, as injured reptiles can still be dangerous. Credit: Urban Reptile Removal


This is because cold-blooded reptiles have a slower metabolism than mammals.

As a result, they can survive and remain reactive for hours after sustaining life-threatening injuries.

Sadly, many injured reptiles, including turtles, lizards, and snakes, can be found struggling for life long after an accident.


Williams receives most calls related to garden accidents involving lawnmowers or whipper snippers.

These everyday gardening tools can inadvertently become instruments of harm to the unsuspecting creatures hiding in the grass.

It's crucial to remember that all native reptiles in Australia are protected by law, and it's illegal to harm them.

Despite this, snake bites, although rare, do occur, and the majority of victims are men who attempt to handle or kill these reptiles.

For those who find themselves in the unfortunate position of having injured a snake, Williams advises against trying to move it.

An injured venomous snake is not only traumatised but also extremely dangerous. Instead, the best course of action is to seek professional help.


If a vet can treat the snake, that's the first step. If not, as heartbreaking as it may be, euthanasia may be the most humane option.

As we continue to enjoy gardening, let's be mindful of the wildlife sharing our outdoor spaces.

Take care when mowing the grass or trimming edges, and always keep an eye out for our slithery friends who may be hiding in the underbrush.

In other news, Queensland recorded a sharp rise in snake bites, with seven people hospitalised over one weekend.

In the week leading up to 10 February, 24 incidents were already reported. You can read more about it here.


Credit: YouTube

Key Takeaways
  • Aussie gardeners are cautioned about the risk of injuring snakes while mowing or trimming grass, as these reptiles can still pose a danger even when cut in half.
  • Reptile catcher Chris Williams emphasised that severed snakes can still bite and inject venom, potentially leading to serious illness.
  • Most incidents involving severed snakes are due to accidents with lawnmowers or whipper snippers, highlighting the importance of vigilance while gardening to avoid harming wildlife.
  • It is illegal to harm native reptiles in Australia, and injured snakes should receive veterinary care or be humanely euthanised rather than being moved or handled by untrained individuals.
Have you ever encountered a snake in your garden? How did you handle the situation? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let's keep each other informed and protected from the hidden dangers in our backyards.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
Aaron who is known locally as the snake man came here a couple of months ago and picked up the large tiger snake that was in the back garden.We asked what would happen to it and he said he would take it way out in the bush with all the other snakes he had caught .We found out Aaron was a builder by trade so we were able to get him to do other jobs for us. He didn't want anything for taking the snake away so anyone living in Hobart with a snake problem just let me know
 
We were living on the NSW coast in a residential setting, but with national park directly behind us.
I was standing out the front of our home when I saw this black (looked like a thick piece of black rope) whipping down the front nature strip. It stopped under my car, parked in the driveway! I knew what it was but we usually had tree snakes, not black ones. Anyway I went ballistic, how could I drive my car while this thing was underneath. I know that they can coil under the car and end up in the engine. I told my husband and he didn`t say much at all (I was so upset). Anyway the next day I went to have another look out side and across the road I saw a dead snake (RED BELLY BLACK) hanging on a fence with it`s head missing. My husband did not say anything about the snake, but that`s why we are still married to-day, he takes care of things!
 
Last edited:
We were living on the NSW coast in a residential setting, but with national park directly behind use.
I was standing out the front of our home when I saw this black (looked like a thick piece of black rope) whipping down the front nature strip. It stopped under my car, parked in the driveway! I knew what it was but we usually had tree snakes, not black ones. Anyway I went ballistic, how could I drive my car while this thing was underneath. I know that they can coil under the car and end up in the engine. I told my husband and he didn`t say much at all (I was so upset). Anyway the next day I went to have another look out side and across the road I saw a dead snake (RED BELLY BLACK) hanging on a fence with it`s head missing. My husband did not say anything about the snake, but that`s why we are still married to-day, he takes care of things!
We were living on the NSW coast in a residential setting, but with national park directly behind use.
I was standing out the front of our home when I saw this black (looked like a thick piece of black rope) whipping down the front nature strip. It stopped under my car, parked in the driveway! I knew what it was but we usually had tree snakes, not black ones. Anyway I went ballistic, how could I drive my car while this thing was underneath. I know that they can coil under the car and end up in the engine. I told my husband and he didn`t say much at all (I was so upset). Anyway the next day I went to have another look out side and across the road I saw a dead snake (RED BELLY BLACK) hanging on a fence with it`s head missing. My husband did not say anything about the snake, but that`s why we are still married to-day, he takes care of things!
You are on a winner .
 
I have had quite a number of carpet snakes removed.
The snake man was charging me ( a pensioner) $156.00 per visit whether he caught the snake or not.
THEN he would sell the snake on facebook for over $200 dollars
Later, as I live semi rural and my drive goes through a clump of trees and shrubs. I caught on a trail camera different chasers releasing their captives in my driveway. The result was that l lost all my hens and over a period of 6 months more than 4 hatchings of 24 chickens in each batch.
Finally they killed all my dachshund dogs over 2 years.
So do I still want to protect these snakes?
Well, they are a protected species.
1 Death Adder. 7 Carpet snakes, 4 Red belly blacks and a long green snake which don't know what it was.
 
I have had quite a number of carpet snakes removed.
The snake man was charging me ( a pensioner) $156.00 per visit whether he caught the snake or not.
THEN he would sell the snake on facebook for over $200 dollars
Later, as I live semi rural and my drive goes through a clump of trees and shrubs. I caught on a trail camera different chasers releasing their captives in my driveway. The result was that l lost all my hens and over a period of 6 months more than 4 hatchings of 24 chickens in each batch.
Finally they killed all my dachshund dogs over 2 years.
So do I still want to protect these snakes?
Well, they are a protected species.
1 Death Adder. 7 Carpet snakes, 4 Red belly blacks and a long green snake which don't know what it was.
You are a very patient person!
 
I don't want to go to jail. I Was accused off killing one or two.
, but didn't I actually took them to the forest east of me and let them go. You would get a laugh if you were here when I let them go.
I had put in a sealed box drove to the forest then. Opened the box kicking it over then running back to the car.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Sherril54
I don't want to go to jail. I Was accused off killing one or two.
, but Didn't. I
.... I actually took them to the forest east of me and let them go. You would get a laugh if you were here when I let them go.
I had put them in a sealed boxed, drove to the forest then. Opened the box kicking it over then running back to the
 
  • Love
Reactions: Sherril54
I don't want to go to jail. I Was accused off killing one or two.
, but didn't I actually took them to the forest east of me and let them go. You would get a laugh if you were here when I let them go.
I had put in a sealed box drove to the forest then. Opened the box kicking it over then running back to the car.
My husband killed a red belly black and I know he did because it was on the fence with it`s head cut off, but he still won`t discuss it with me. The thought of going to jail must have realy spooked him.!
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×