Snake Season Advice
Morangup W.A | Residents — Pets and Livestock

As winter ends, snakes that have spent the colder months in a state of brumation (a reptile form of hibernation) begin to stir. With rising temperatures, their metabolism speeds up, making them more active, alert, and less timid. In early spring they bask to restore energy, then move out in search of food and mates. For species like the Dugite (Pseudonaja affinis) and the Western Brown (Gwardar, Pseudonaja mengdeni), this period also coincides with the breeding season — males actively roam, sometimes travelling long distances and even engaging in combat with rivals. The result for residents is a noticeable spike in snake activity near bushland edges, farms, sheds, and gardens from September onwards.

“As the weather warms, snakes are waking up from their winter brumation. They become more active, less timid, and are searching for food and mates — which means they’re more visible to us too.” – UWA, 2024

Why this matters: Every spring and summer in WA, snakes become more active. Here in Morangup and the Perth Eastern Hills, our bushland and hobby farms make encounters likely. Most snakes avoid people, but every bite must be treated as life-threatening. Across Australia there are around 3,000 suspected snake bites annually, with an average of two deaths per year (UWA, 2024). In WA, 62 deaths since 1980 have been recorded, most involving brown snakes (WA Snakes Fatalities). The message is simple: preparedness saves lives.

Local species you may encounter

• Western Brown Snake (Gwardar) – Pseudonaja mengdeni. Highly venomous; fast, nervous; very variable colour (pale orange-brown to almost black). Widespread across Wheatbelt, Avon Valley and Hills. Sources: Reptiles of Australia, WA Reptile Park.
• Dugite – Pseudonaja affinis. Highly venomous; common in Perth Hills & farmland; shy but dangerous if cornered. Mating: Sept–Nov. Source: Wikipedia.
• Tiger Snake – Notechis spp. Highly venomous; more likely near rivers/creeks/gullies (Avon/Swan systems). Source: Birdwatching HQ.
• Carpet Python – Morelia spilota imbricata. Non-venomous rodent controller; often in sheds/roofs/bush edges.
• Other smaller species – blind snakes, whip snakes, tree snakes (low/no medical risk).

“It isn’t cool or legal to harm snakes — no matter the type. Venomous or non-venomous, they play a vital role in controlling pests and keeping the bush balanced. The safest option is always to give them space and call a licensed snake catcher if one needs removal.”

Season & daily activity patterns

Season: September–April. Daily rhythm: mornings (basking) and late afternoons/evenings; during very hot days they shelter, then move when cooler. Triggers: sunshine after cold periods, heavy rain (frogs/rodents moving), and food sources near homes. As UWA’s experts note:

“The risk of being bitten is exceptionally small, but knowing basic first aid could potentially save your, or another person’s, life.” – UWA, 2024

What to do if a person is bitten

1. Call 000 immediately.
2. Keep still and calm. Movement spreads venom via lymphatics.
3. (Optional) If you have a marker pen readily on hand, mark a close circle around the bite marks/site.
4. Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT): apply a firm broad bandage over the bite, then bandage the entire limb from fingers/toes upwards; splint to immobilise joints above and below.
5. Record times (bite and bandage application) and wait for help.

IMPORTANT DO-NOT: wash, cut or suck the wound; use a tourniquet; try to catch/kill the snake. Sources: St John WA – Snake Bite First Aid, UWA, 2024. UWA also reports RFDS cases averaging 38 minutes to bandaging, with many patients worsening because they kept moving.

Pet owners: act fast

• Dogs and cats deteriorate quickly. Get to a vet immediately.
• Carry the animal to reduce movement; do not attempt home remedies.
• Only antivenom and veterinary care save them.

Western Brown (Gwardar) extreme colour and pattern variation

Don’t try to identify a snake by appearance. For instance, the Gwardar is notorious for its extreme colour variation — some are pale tan, others deep brown, almost black, or banded. (Confusion between the species is thought to be largely due to the possible 'hybridisation' between the Pseudonaja species.)
Even trained eyes can mistake them for other species. For safety, treat any brown snake as highly venomous. If sighted, give it space and keep pets away. If bitten, apply pressure immobilisation and call 000 immediately. Modern antivenom covers most dangerous WA snakes, but rapid first aid and medical care are critical.

“Colour and markings don’t matter — behaviour and safety do. Don’t waste time identifying; act as if every bite is dangerous.” Morangup 6083

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For more practical tips on reducing snake encounters around pets, poultry and livestock, see our full guide: Keeping Snakes Away from Your House, Pets & Poultry.

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Snake bite kits – buy locally in Morangup

The most effective kit is the one you can reach fast. You can buy snake bite kits and first aid supplies locally at our St John Ambulance Morangup Sub Centre (see below). Typical options include a compact Standard Snake Bite Kit and a larger Outdoor Snake Bite Module for farms, sheds, and walkers. Buying local supports our volunteers and keeps the station strong.

“When you buy your first aid kit through the Morangup Sub Centre, you’re not just preparing your family — you’re also supporting the volunteers who keep this station running.” – St John Morangup Volunteer

Online reference: St John WA Shop – Snake Bite Kit.

Country Ambulance Cover – costs for Morangup

Ambulance transport in WA can cost thousands. For country residents, St John Country Ambulance Cover removes the financial stress:

• South of 26th parallel (Morangup): Single $64/year; Family $107/year
• North of 26th parallel: Single $85/year; Family $141/year

Source: St John WA – Country Ambulance Benefit Fund. For cover or questions, call (08) 9334 1212.

Training & volunteering at Morangup Sub Centre

Our Sub Centre is also a training hub and volunteer base. Take an accredited first aid course locally and consider volunteering (on-road, admin, or community support). Training links: First Aid Courses and Family First Aid.

Morangup Sub Centre – details

• Address: 48 Wallaby Way, Morangup WA 6083
• Office hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:00am–4:00pm (per Shire of Toodyay)
• Services: Local first aid kits (including snake bite kits), training, and 24/7 emergency ambulance response

Key takeaways

• Snakes are part of our landscape — expect them from spring to autumn.
• Assume any bite is life-threatening; pressure immobilisation and 000 save lives.
• Pets: immediate vet care (carry them; no home remedies).
• Keep kits in your home, car, and shed — buy locally to support our Sub Centre.
• Protect your family with Country Ambulance Cover.
• Train locally, volunteer locally — keep Morangup safer together.

References (cited)

• University of Western Australia (2024). Snakes are waking up: what should you do if you’re bitten, and what if you’re a long way from help? Read more: UWA News article
• WA Snakes (2023). Western Australian Snake Bite Fatalities since 1980. Read more: WA Snakes – fatalities list
• Wikipedia (2024). List of fatal snake bites in Australia. Read more: Wikipedia – fatal snake bites
• St John WA. Snake Bite – First Aid Information. Read more: St John WA – snake bite first aid
• St John WA. Country Ambulance Benefit Fund. Read more: St John WA – Country Ambulance Cover
• Reptiles of Australia. Western Brown Snake (Gwardar). Read more: Reptiles of Australia – Gwardar
• Wikipedia. Dugite. Read more: Wikipedia – Dugite
• Birdwatching HQ. Snakes of Western Australia. Read more: Birdwatching HQ – WA snakes
• WA Reptile Park. Western Brown Snake. Read more: WA Reptile Park – Western Brown