Wildlife alert: Expert warns against touching these finds in Australian gardens
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As the sun climbs higher and the days grow warmer, Australia's gardens become a bustling hub of activity, not just for green thumbs but also for the country's diverse wildlife.
Among the fluttering butterflies and industrious bees, you might also stumble upon something less expected.
But before you let curiosity get the better of you, authorities have issued a stern warning: ‘Never touch.’
Authorities have urged the public ‘to never touch’ reptile eggs found in the wild, as improper handling can easily cause the juveniles inside to be ‘drowned’.
With Australia’s reptile mating season, including for lizards and snakes, typically running from September to December as the warmer weather begins, officials have advised residents nationwide to stay alert for native wildlife but avoid interfering with them.
This caution comes on the heels of a Western Australian's recent discovery.
The woman found two tiny lizard eggs nestled in her ‘mother's garden’ and, unsure of their origin, she turned to social media for answers.
Her post, featuring a photo of the miniature eggs cradled in her hand, quickly garnered attention, with many speculating they were gecko eggs.
Billy Collett, Park Manager at the Australian Reptile Park, confirmed these suspicions.
According to Mr Collett, reptile eggs are indeed a common sight during Australia's spring and early summer months, which coincide with the mating season for many species.
He emphasised the importance of leaving these eggs undisturbed: ‘These are definitely lizard eggs and are really common to see this time of year, they’re likely close to hatching.’
‘You can’t roll reptile eggs because the motion may cause the developing juvenile to drown inside the egg, so it is important to not touch any eggs you may find,’ Mr Collett added.
Lizard eggs in Australia differ greatly between species. While most lizards are oviparous and lay eggs, some, like blue-tongued skinks, are viviparous and give birth to live offspring.
Lizard eggs are usually soft and leathery, which enables them to absorb moisture from their environment during incubation.
The number of eggs in a clutch can also vary widely by species.
For instance, geckos typically lay one to two eggs per clutch, while larger species, such as Australian water dragons, can lay up to 18 eggs.
As Australians enjoy the warmer months, it's crucial to stay vigilant about the wildlife that can unexpectedly make its way into our backyards.
The warning about lizard eggs is just one example of how easily our outdoor spaces can become home to unfamiliar creatures.
This summer, experts are urging Australians to keep an eye out for another potentially surprising invasion—swarms of mysterious creatures that could be lurking right in your garden.
What are some of the most interesting wildlife finds you've come across in your garden? How did you handle them? Share your stories in the comments below!
Among the fluttering butterflies and industrious bees, you might also stumble upon something less expected.
But before you let curiosity get the better of you, authorities have issued a stern warning: ‘Never touch.’
Authorities have urged the public ‘to never touch’ reptile eggs found in the wild, as improper handling can easily cause the juveniles inside to be ‘drowned’.
With Australia’s reptile mating season, including for lizards and snakes, typically running from September to December as the warmer weather begins, officials have advised residents nationwide to stay alert for native wildlife but avoid interfering with them.
This caution comes on the heels of a Western Australian's recent discovery.
A woman in Western Australia discovered lizard eggs in her mother's garden, prompting expert advice on social media. Credit: Facebook / Samantha Reid
The woman found two tiny lizard eggs nestled in her ‘mother's garden’ and, unsure of their origin, she turned to social media for answers.
Her post, featuring a photo of the miniature eggs cradled in her hand, quickly garnered attention, with many speculating they were gecko eggs.
Billy Collett, Park Manager at the Australian Reptile Park, confirmed these suspicions.
According to Mr Collett, reptile eggs are indeed a common sight during Australia's spring and early summer months, which coincide with the mating season for many species.
He emphasised the importance of leaving these eggs undisturbed: ‘These are definitely lizard eggs and are really common to see this time of year, they’re likely close to hatching.’
‘You can’t roll reptile eggs because the motion may cause the developing juvenile to drown inside the egg, so it is important to not touch any eggs you may find,’ Mr Collett added.
Lizard eggs in Australia differ greatly between species. While most lizards are oviparous and lay eggs, some, like blue-tongued skinks, are viviparous and give birth to live offspring.
Lizard eggs are usually soft and leathery, which enables them to absorb moisture from their environment during incubation.
The number of eggs in a clutch can also vary widely by species.
For instance, geckos typically lay one to two eggs per clutch, while larger species, such as Australian water dragons, can lay up to 18 eggs.
As Australians enjoy the warmer months, it's crucial to stay vigilant about the wildlife that can unexpectedly make its way into our backyards.
The warning about lizard eggs is just one example of how easily our outdoor spaces can become home to unfamiliar creatures.
This summer, experts are urging Australians to keep an eye out for another potentially surprising invasion—swarms of mysterious creatures that could be lurking right in your garden.
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The big parents swim in the swimming pools at my neighbours. 
is that lucky you 
