Snake season is here! Protect your pets before it’s too late

A simple weekend surprise for the grandchildren turned into heartbreak for one Sydney family.

Their excitement over a new rabbit quickly gave way to shock and disbelief.

Nature had unexpectedly knocked on their backyard door.

The family of Eagle Vale had placed their rabbit safely in its hutch, expecting it to enjoy a peaceful first weekend at its new home.

Instead, they discovered the animal caught in the grip of a diamond python.

Cory Kerewaro from Reptile Relocation Sydney arrived to find a 1.8-metre python coiled around the rabbit.

The snake had slipped between the cage bars and settled in for what it hoped would be a meal.

The rabbit proved too large to swallow, and after some time the python gave up, allowing Cory to relocate it to a more suitable habitat.

Diamond Pythons are among Australia’s most placid snakes, rarely hissing or threatening people.

They are completely non-venomous and pose no risk to humans.

Adults can grow up to three metres long, though they are generally around two metres, making their size intimidating but their temperament calm.

These reptiles are the most southerly occurring pythons in the world and inhabit higher altitudes than any other Australian python.

While they are not considered endangered, habitat destruction has reduced their presence in Sydney, increasing the chance of backyard encounters.

Diamond Pythons become most active as September approaches, ramping up movement in November for breeding.

Male pythons may travel up to 500 metres a day following the scent of a receptive female.

This roaming behaviour increases the likelihood of encounters with suburban pets.

They are drawn to backyards containing aviaries, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens, seeing these animals as potential food.

Mostly nocturnal, they also bask in early morning or late afternoon sun and on warm overcast days, meaning pet owners must be vigilant at dawn and dusk.

Cory recommended a simple, affordable barrier: mouse mesh, or snake mesh, which costs around $15 per metre at Bunnings, plus a packet of cable ties for a complete protection system.

Enclosures should have no holes larger than a 20-cent coin—roughly 2.8 centimetres—to stop snakes from entering.

Mesh is just the first step—owners must think like a predator.

Snakes can access pets from above, sometimes entering roof spaces or outbuildings.

Raising hutches by at least 30 centimetres, adding solid roofs or fine mesh coverings, and installing motion-sensor lights can further protect pets.

Cory urged caution when pets are threatened.

The 2018 case of a Tamworth man fatally bitten by a brown snake while trying to rescue his dog highlights the dangers.

Professional snake removal typically costs $150–300, depending on location and difficulty, with many services operating 24/7 during peak season.

Diamond Pythons can live up to 20 years, meaning repeated sightings in the same area may involve the same snake.

Homeowners can build long-term coexistence strategies rather than reacting to single encounters.

Female pythons may use roof cavities to wait for mates, but their presence can reduce rodent numbers.

Pet areas should remain secure, while other zones can serve as wildlife corridors to allow safe passage for native animals.

This incident reflects a broader trend as urban expansion encroaches on wildlife habitats.

Proper pet protection reduces negative encounters and limits the need for drastic wildlife management.

Diamond Pythons are threatened by land clearing, road fatalities, illegal collection, and habitat removal.

Killing native snakes is illegal in Australia, with fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the state.

Prevention and professional management remain the safest approach.

Sharing experiences helps other families protect their pets.

If you have had wildlife encounters or implemented successful protection measures, your knowledge could prevent heartbreak for someone else.

Incidents like the one in Eagle Vale are more common than many realise, and seeing how snakes can enter unexpected areas can be a real eye-opener.

One family learned just how unpredictable these visitors can be when a diamond python appeared inside their home, reminding us to stay vigilant around pets and property.

For another real-life example of a surprising encounter with a python, take a look at the story below.

Read more: Surprise guest slithers into Aussie home's kitchen

What wildlife have you encountered in your backyard, and how have you adapted your pet care routines to keep everyone safe?