Snakes commonly found west of Melbourne

Tiger Snake

Tiger snakes are often found in and around Melton and in other temperate areas of south-eastern Victoria, preferring swampy conditions and mainly feed on frogs. They are not always identifiable by their tiger style stripes as their colouring can change with the seasons and age of the snake. Tiger snakes are highly venomous and along with the common brown are the snakes most likely to bite humans.

Common or Eastern Brown Snake

Brown snakes prefer the warm dry climate of areas such as Bacchus Marsh, Myrniong, Parwon and Exford. They are quite large, often growing up to 1.2 metres in length. They are generally active during the day, except in very hot weather.

Les Williams with a Tiger Snake

Brown snakes are extremely venomous, striking rapidly when cornered or threatened. Consequently, they are responsible for the majority of deaths from snake-bite in Australia. Their favourite food is rats, mice, lizards, birds and other snakes.

Red-bellied Black Snake

Copperhead Snake

Copperhead snakes are attracted to rivers, creeks and dams in the cooler climate areas of Ballan, Ballarat, Daylesford, Gisborne, Greendale, Trentham & Woodend. The Copperhead is extremely venomous however, it's rare to get bitten by one as they are generally placid and reluctant to strike. They mostly eat skinks & frogs.

Red-bellied Black Snake

Red-bellied black snakes enjoy a moist environment and are often found nearby the Werribee & Lerderderg rivers. Although the Black snake's venom is not as potent as the other common snakes in our region it is still dangerous and best to avoid being bitten.