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Eastern Tiger Snake- Notechis scutatus

This is the most common snake through the inner and outer suburbs of Melbourne. Tiger Snakes around Melbourne range extends from inner city suburbs of Alphington, Fairfield and Northcote, Bayside suburbs of Williamstown, Port Melbourne and Spotswood. As the range fans out through the outer suburbs population size seems to increase. Their favoured habitat and food sources are more plentiful the further out from the city. From Ivanhoe to Wonga Park and North East all the way to Kinglake.

Frequent areas that I am called out to catch and relocate this species is suburbs parallel and adjacent to our major creeks and rivers. The Yarra River, Plenty River, Diamond Creek and the Merri Creek are all significant wildlife corridors. These areas provide the most suitable habitat for this species. Moist environments are the preferred. Tiger Snake inhabit not only streams but other watercourses such as lakes, dams and swamps. They are also found away from water sources.

The Eastern Tiger Snake is the most likely snake people will see on their property. Whilst out in parkland and reserves they are often seen. Commonly seen at suburban golf courses and parks such as Westerfolds Park and Birrarung Park. Often seen basking on the sunny edge of paths and tracks. When disturbed will quickly move back into heavy cover.

Wild Tiger Snakes captured and removed from Melbourne Properties

 

It is usually easily recognised by its distinct banding. Their colouration is quite variable including black, grey, blue grey, brown, light brown and yellow orange. The belly is pale usually, white, cream and yellowish.

Sometimes they are often misidentified. I am quite often called for a suspected snake on a property and it turns out to be a Blue-Tongued lizard. Bluey’s have very similar markings and colouration to a Tiger Snake. As most people know Blue-Tongues Lizards are harmless and a handy addition in the home garden for snail and slug control.

Tiger Snakes are known for their impressive threat display when cornered or provoked. They typically flatten their head and raise it on an angle as can be seen above. This response is to warn off potential threats, they sometimes hiss and strike if the threat continues to disturb them. It must be remembered that this display of aggression only occurs as self-defence by the snake. If given the chance snakes will always move away quickly.

The video below shows this defence display and the way it quickly moves away response when released. The only time a person or animal is bitten by a Tiger Snakes is when the snake is picked up or continually cornered and provoked. The video demonstrates that when given the chance a Tiger Snake in Melbourne if given space will flee from danger.

Video of a snake release after removal from Building site