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18004SNAKE
Australian snake guide

Eastern brown snake

Pseudonaja textilis

Slender and quick. Colour runs from pale tan to dark brown, and young ones can have dark bands.

Habitat and distribution

Farmland, suburbs and anywhere mice gather. Common around sheds, woodpiles and feed rooms.

Safety

Responsible for more serious bites in Australia than any other snake. Give it plenty of room.

Quick facts

Venom
Highly venomous. Its venom affects blood clotting and it is responsible for more serious bites and deaths in Australia than any other snake.
Size
Usually about 1.5 m, occasionally up to 2 m.
Active
By day, especially in warm weather. Often seen on the move in spring.
Diet
Mainly mice and rats, plus lizards, frogs and birds.

Often confused with

Common questions

Is the eastern brown snake venomous?

Yes. The eastern brown snake is one of the most dangerous snakes in Australia and its venom can cause severe bleeding problems. Snakes are venomous rather than poisonous. The risk comes from a bite, so any suspected bite should be treated as an emergency and you should call 000.

Why do eastern brown snakes turn up around houses?

They hunt mice and rats, which are common around sheds, feed bins, chicken coops and farm buildings. Keeping feed sealed and storage tidy reduces the shelter and food that draw them in.

Can you tell a brown snake by its colour?

No. Eastern brown snakes range from pale tan to almost black, and young ones can have bands or a dark head. Many brown-coloured snakes look alike, so leave identification to a licensed catcher.

Where it is found

Approximate range based on AROD, adapted to our dot grid. Approximate historical reference range; not a habitat or absence assessment. Listed for 13,366 towns and suburbs. Ranges are approximate and do not confirm occurrence at a particular address.

Call 1800 4 SNAKE (1800 476 253)

If someone has been bitten, call 000. Never approach or handle a snake to identify it.