#54 Eastern Brown Snakes in the Hunter Valley

The highly venomous Eastern Brown Snake is not my favourite creature of the bush, but I feel these misunderstood reptiles deserve a bit of support. In my part of the Hunter Valley, they are dispatched with shovels, roles of hose, moving vehicles, and goodness knows by what other means.

I saw my first living snake of the season last week -

a fine specimen of Eastern Brown sunning itself

Yes, the Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is venomous; potentially fatal - but only if a person is bitten. Most bites occur as a result of a person threatening the snake. A snake will generally go out of its way to avoid humans, but humans have created habitat that is to the liking of the snake, hence, humans and snakes will occasional cross paths.

A Brown Snake finds refuge in a roadside

telecommunications pit

The Common or Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) varies in colour from yellowish brown, brown, reddish brown, greyish brown to almost black. Juveniles bear a black blotch on the head and a black band on the nape of the neck, (and in some areas, prominent narrow black bands on the body).

Habitat: This snake is widespread through subhumid to arid eastern Australia, occupying almost all habitats except rainforests or wet sclerophyll forests and alpine areas.

Land clearing has apparently proven beneficial, as brown snakes seem to be most abundant in agricultural regions. The Eastern Brown Snake is the snake I encounter most (although, still rarely) in the rural area of the Hunter Valley where I live.

The Eastern Brown Snake well camouflaged . . . . .

. . . . . and another well hidden Eastern Brown Snake

eyes off the photographer (me)

Breeding: Clutches of 10 to 30 eggs have been recorded; laid in late spring. A litter may contain both banded and unbanded individuals. Eggs hatch after about eighty days, and hatchlings measure about 27cm. When nesting, this snake utilises any available cover, but is particularly fond of man-made cover such as sheets of metal.

Habits: The Eastern Brown Snake is diurnal (although sometimes nocturnal in hot weather). It relies on keen vision to locate prey which can consist of mammals, birds, lizards, and occasionally other snakes.

The abundance in rural areas is probably due to the presence of numerous introduced mice and rats which provide a valuable food source.

Eastern Brown Snakes are extremely swift, alert and nervous; quick to retaliate if provoked, readily adopting a defensive stance raising its forebody in an S-shape, hissing loudly and striking repeatedly. I have never observed this defensive behaviour, but I have seen it remain motionless in an effort to remain hidden, and flee swiftly.

Ref: "Australian Reptiles - A Photographic Reference to the Terrestrial Reptiles of Australia" by Stephen K. Wilson and David G. Knowles.

Ref: "Australian Reptiles and Frogs" by Raymond T. Hoser.

An unusual sight: an Eastern Brown and a Red-bellied Black (Pseudechis porphyriacus) sharing living space after being washed from winter shelters during the June 2007 Hunter River flood.

A dead juvenile Eastern Brown Snake with

distinctive head markings

I don't normally feature images of dead animals, but many of the snake road-kills in my area are deliberate killings - unnecessary, and often cruel.



I encounter very few snakes during my normal day to day activities in rural Hunter Valley, but following the June 2007 flood, Eastern Brown Snakes and Red-bellied Black Snakes were washed from their winter hides on the river bank opposite my home. I had a fabulous opportunity to observe them.

I also witnessed unnecessary cruelty from humans. Sections of a previous post, I feel, are worth repeating:

If people find a snake inside their home or workplace, wildlife aid people or NPWS should be able to offer advice as to who to contact to have the snake removed and relocated safely. Rural people who encounter snakes would be wise to give the snake space to move on.

Regardless of size or venom toxicity, all species avoid confrontations with humans whenever possible and must be trodden on or otherwise harassed before they resort to biting in self-defense. The primary function of venom is to subdue prey, not to attack animals too large to be consumed.

An Eastern Brown Snake basking in the sun

It is not only unnecessarily violent and heartless to kill snakes, but it is illegal. Snakes are protected. If we hold a healthy respect for these animals, along with a commonsense approach, we can live in the same locality without incident. After all, it is we humans who are invading and changing the snakes' environment, not vice versa.

Note: My journal blog Snippets and Sentiments has evolved into mainly entries telling of my daily rambles amongst nature, which might be of interest to those who visit this nature blog.

#45 A snake by a swamp

I rarely see a snake when I'm out walking, and when I do, it's usually the tail disappearing into the undergrowth beside my feet. Such a sight usually scares the daylights out of me, so I was thrilled to encounter a snake basking on a wide track adjacent to a swamp recently. "Thrilled" because the reptile was easily noticed from a safe distance so as not to produce the usual initial response of fear.

Swamp Snake at Shortlands Wetland Centre

And it was a snake that I had previously not seen, making the observation even more exciting. The Swamp Snake (or Marsh Snake, or Black-bellied Swamp Snake), Hemiaspis signata, is apparently relatively common in the Hunter region.

Only a small species, it averages 50cm in length, although longer specimens have been recorded. Their preferred habitat is, as their name suggests, marshy country and wet forests. This species will aggregate in large numbers in areas of suitable habitat such as rubbish dumps.

The Swamp Snake is mainly diurnal in habit and principally feeds on frogs and skinks. Mating occurs in late autumn, winter and spring, with live young being produced in late summer. They are found along the east coast of New South Wales and Queensland.

Two colour forms occur: brown to olive-brown, and dark olive-grey to black. A narrow white, cream to yellow streak extends from snout or eye to side of neck. This was the feature that allowed me to identify the snake. It is not regarded as dangerously venomous.

An up-close view of the yellow face streak

My Swamp Snake sighting was at Hunter Wetlands Centre, formerly known as Shortland Wetlands Centre. 45 hectares have been preserved as a wildlife refuge with approximately 250 species of native birds and animals having been recorded.

The project of rehabilitating a degraded wetland was undertaken in 1986 and has progressed into a valuable conservation area with the added aim of increasing understanding of and appreciation for wetlands through communication, education and public awareness.

It really is a fabulous place to take the whole family to enjoy nature up close, and my husband and I have purchased an annual family pass and are making good use of unlimited visitation.

The Swamp Snake disappears into the grass

An unexpected encounter with a snake can be a frightening experience, but if you stand still at a safe distance, you might be rewarded by the chance to observe these beautiful and sleek, but misunderstood, creatures.

#31 Red-bellied Black Snakes

Snakes are mobile again after emerging from winter rest (brumation) and are actively hunting and preparing to breed. Red-bellied Black Snakes are one of the most commonly encountered snakes of the Hunter Valley.

A Red-bellied Black Snake slithers off into the leaf litter of the Barrington Tops NP rainforest

'Hibernation' in reptiles is called brumation - it is different from hibernation in mammals in that the reptile is not living off its fat reserves. Instead, its metabolism, which is temperature dependent, has slowed down so much because of the cold that it hardly uses any energy over the course of winter. The reptile is still awake and still active (although very sluggish), but it actually doesn’t lose any significant weight during the winter.

The Red-bellied Black Snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, is from family Elapidae. Elapids are venomous snakes having permanently erect fangs in the front of the upper jaw.

Features of Red-bellied Black Snakes

Although the sudden sighting of a snake always gets my adrenalin racing through a healthy dose of fear, I can't help but admire the beauty of this reptile. As seen in my first picture of a Red-bellied Black Snake, the dorsal colour is a uniform glossy black. The belly is cream to pink with red flanks, and the snout is often brown.

1.5 to 2 metres is a common length, but there have been specimens recorded up to 2.5 metres long. Although a bite from a Red-bellied Black snake is venomous, it rarely results in the death of a human.

This species is not renowned for being aggressive and is quick to retreat if disturbed. I have encountered them basking beside clumps of thick ground-hugging vegetation and on walking trails, and they have always been swift to disappear.

A 1.2 metre Red-bellied Black Snake hastily retreats to the safety of thicker vegetation when I encounter it basking by the Hunter River

When approached or provoked, the Red-bellied Black Snake can recoil into a striking stance as a threat and flatten its head similar to that of a Cobra. It can also hiss loudly, but will try to escape at the first opportunity. When cornered, or if a person is attempting to kill or capture the snake, it may strike and bite.

This startled Red-belly flattened its head and looked threatening when I encountered it in thick grass. I stood still (photographing), and the snake moved away swiftly.

During mating season, males have been seen engaged in vigorous combat where they raise their bodies, intertwined in a struggle of strength. Biting does not occur, but the strongest snake will displace the rival courting male.

Mating season begins in spring, and an average of 12 young are produced between January and March. Red-bellied Black Snakes are viviparous (bearing live young). These are enclosed in clear membranous sacs from which they emerge shortly after birth. Average length at birth is 22cm, and young disperse after a few weeks. A baby's bite is as toxic as the parents', with well-developed venom glands from birth.

Habitat, range and prey

The Red-bellied Black Snake is widespread along Australia's east coast and ranges from north Queensland, through NSW and Victoria, into south-eastern SA. It is not found in Tasmania which I find surprising as it is suited to cool climates.

It's preferred habitat is swamps, riverbanks and the edges of damp forests. Whenever I have seen Red-bellied Black Snakes, they have been within 50 metres of a watercourse.

Frogs are their preferred prey, but they will eat reptiles and small mammals. They are able swimmers and therefore fish and eels are also on the menu.

An Eastern Brown Snake and Red-bellied Black Snake seen basking in the winter sun together presents a rare and odd sight. Both of these snakes were displaced from their winter shelters by the flooding Hunter River and took temporary shelter together in the in-ground telecommunications pit in front of my house. They will tolerate each other as they are cold and sluggish and unlikely to eat during winter. They have since moved on, together with a Blue Tongue Lizard and another Eastern Brown Snake that were also sharing the pit.

Populations have apparently declined dramatically in Qld and northern NSW, which has been attributed to the spread of the toxic introduced Cane Toad. Degredation of waterways has also contributed to the decline of Red-bellied Black Snakes.

Red-bellies are known to be canabalistic. They are also one of the Eastern Brown Snakes, (Pseudonaja textilis) major predators, keeping their numbers in check.

When encountered, the Red-bellied Black Snake will usually retreat swiftly without threat.

There are plenty of reasons to resist picking up a shovel when you encounter a Red-bellied Black Snake, the most relavent of which is that humans should respect the life and habitat of native wildlife. Snakes, like all other creatures, are a vital part of the big picture.

If you require a snake to be removed from your living space or work place, wildlife carers or NPWS should be able to put you in contact with a trained snake rescuer. With awareness and education, it is hoped that people will be more tolerant and understanding of snakes. Red-bellied Black Snakes are not aggressive unless provoked, and will avoid humans when ever possible.

#21 Snakes alive

The negative public perception towards snakes is a killer, for both harmless and venomous reptiles.

Yesterday, I was distressed to see a man jump out of his vehicle on a rural road and attack a Red-bellied Black Snake with a role of hose. When the snake was limp, the driver threw it into the paddock to suffer as it died of its injuries.

I explained to the proud owner of the hose, that the snakes had been flushed out of hibernation by flood waters and just needed some warmth before seeking alternate winter accommodation. I feel sure, however, my pleas for a fair go for these displaced native animals fell on deaf ears.

An Eastern Brown Snake sunning itself beside the flooded Hunter River

Hunter Valley and Central Coast NSW residents will be well aware of the devastation and heartbreak caused by a one-in-thirty-year flood, as between 200 and 300 millimetres of rain fell during two days in early June, coupled by fierce winds.

Homes, businesses and farms have been inundated by flood waters destroying lives, property, livelihoods and livestock. In times of hardship, people band together to help each other. But the hidden hardships of our native wildlife during such natural disasters often goes unnoticed.

The trickling drought-stricken Hunter River is transformed into a 14metre-deep torrent as it breaks its bank and covers farmland, 10th June 2007

At this time of year in an area that receives cold winters, snakes are curled up in a safehold. However, it is not cold enough in this area for reptiles to fully hibernate. On warm days snakes will emerge from their hide-out and bask in the sun, and if their body temperature is raised sufficiently, they will occasionally eat. Terrestrial (ground-dwelling) snakes that are common in the Hunter Valley shelter in abandoned burrows and hollow logs, or beneath rocks and surface debris.

Snake habits

The two most commonly encountered snakes in the Hunter Valley are the Red-bellied Black Snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, and the Eastern Brown Snake, Pseudonaja textilis. Both are venomous, the Eastern Brown being dangerously venomous.

The Red-bellied Black Snake's agitation is obvious by the flattening of the neck region

Regardless of size or venom toxicity, all species avoid confrontations with humans whenever possible and must be trodden on or otherwise harassed before they resort to biting in self-defense. The primary function of venom is to subdue prey, not to attack animals too large to be consumed.

A snake's first mode of defense is camouflage, lying motionless to avoid detection. If disturbed, a snake can flee swiftly, or display defensive behaviour like raising and flattening its head. Most snake bites occur when a person attempts to kill or capture a snake. If a snake is cornered in an enclosed position, or feels threatened, it may attack.

An Eastern Brown Snake well hidden in grass

As semi-dormant snakes are flushed from their winter shelter by rising flood water, they are sluggish and slow to react. If they survive the perils of flood, these cold-blooded animals will warm themselves in sunny positions before seeking shelter for the remainder of the winter. In their sluggish state, they are slow to move away from potential danger, so can become aggressive in order to protect themselves. Eastern Brown Snakes can be particularly quick to strike at this vulnerable time. But snakes are shy by nature, and will avoid human contact.

The Hunter River at Singleton 9th June 2007, from the levy bank, 9 hours before the river peaked

As natural wildlife habitat is cleared or degraded by humans, we are more likely to encounter snakes. Removing rubbish from around your home, especially sheets of iron and overgrown vegetation, will discourage snakes from taking up residence in your yard. Keeping feral mice and rats under control will also discourage snakes.

Snakes and the environment

Despite the common attitude that it is ridiculous to protect snakes, they play a role in functioning ecosystems. When snakes are absent, the biodiversity is suffering.

In natural ecosystems, the presence of top-level carnivores indicates that the herbivores are doing well. The fact that predators are present means that the lower links in the food chain are operating properly.

Another large Eastern Brown Snake suns itself after being washed from the flooding Hunter River

Snakes, in their docile state awakened in winter, are vulnerable to water birds, eagles and hawks, kookaburras and owls, domestic and feral cats and dogs, and of course, humans.

If the unnecessary threat from humans and their pets is eliminated, these magnificent but unpopular reptiles will have a chance to restructure their lives that have been impacted upon by a natural disaster, just as people are similarly attempting to get on with their lives.

A juvenile Eastern Brown Snake that didn't make it

If people find a snake inside their home or workplace, wildlife aid people or NPWS should be able to offer advice as to who to contact to have the snake removed and relocated safely. Rural people who encounter snakes would be wise to give the snake space to move on.

It is not only unnecessarily violent and heartless to kill snakes, but it is illegal. Snakes are protected. If we hold a healthy respect for these animals, along with a commonsense approach, we can live in the same locality without incident. After all, it is we humans who are invading and changing the snakes' environment, not vice versa.