Juvenile Eastern Brown Photo 947507y023, (c) Third Silence, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))

Eastern Brown Snake

(Pseudonaja textilis)

The Eastern Brown Snake is one of Australia's most widespread snakes and is a common species throughout much of eastern Australia. It is also one of the highly venomous snakes encountered around homes, farms and rural properties in the Bathurst, Oberon and wider Central West region.

Identification

Eastern Brown Snakes are generally slender-bodied snakes with a relatively small, narrow head that is not strongly distinct from the neck. Their colour can vary considerably between individuals, ranging from light brown, tan and orange through to grey, dark brown and almost black.

Adults are often relatively uniform in colour, although some may have darker markings towards the head. Juveniles can look quite different from adults and commonly have a dark head and nape, with banding or darker markings extending along the body.

The scales are smooth and often give the snake a slightly glossy appearance. The eyes are relatively large compared with some other Australian snakes and have a noticeable brow ridge.

Scale Characteristics

Eastern Brown Snakes have 17 rows of dorsal scales at midbody and approximately 185–235 ventral scales. The anal scale is divided, as are the subcaudal scales.

Scale counts can be useful when distinguishing an Eastern Brown from similar-looking species, but they should only be used by someone trained in reptile identification. A live snake should never be approached or handled for the purpose of identification.

Behaviour

Eastern Brown Snakes are highly alert and generally rely on their speed to escape when disturbed. They are active hunters and can move quickly when searching for prey or avoiding danger.

When threatened or cornered, an Eastern Brown may raise the front portion of its body into an S-shaped posture. It may then make rapid defensive movements or strikes if the perceived threat continues.

Venom and Safety

The Eastern Brown Snake is highly venomous and should always be treated with caution. A snake does not need to be aggressive to be dangerous, and attempting to catch, kill or handle one significantly increases the risk of being bitten.

If you encounter an Eastern Brown Snake, keep people and pets away from the area and give the snake plenty of room. Do not attempt to identify it at close range or interfere with its movements.

A professional snake catcher can safely remove and relocate the snake while minimising stress and risk to both the snake and people nearby.

Eastern Browns Around Bathurst and Oberon

Eastern Brown Snakes are well suited to the open grassland, farmland and rural environments found throughout the Bathurst and Oberon regions. They can turn up in surprisingly close proximity to homes, particularly where there is suitable habitat and prey.

Finding an Eastern Brown around your property does not necessarily mean there is a nest or infestation. Like other snakes, they are generally moving through an area in search of food, shelter or suitable conditions.