A Penrith homeowner saw a long brown snake moving through the garden close to the house and was concerned it might disappear beneath a deck. The resident stayed back and kept track of the location from a safe position while Harley travelled to the property.
Identification requires more than colour
The animal appeared consistent with an Eastern Brown Snake, but several Australian snakes can look brown and colour varies within species. Harley treated the situation cautiously, assessed body shape and movement from a safe working distance and did not rely on the caller's first description as a final identification.
Preventing a difficult search beneath the deck
Decks, retaining walls and garden edges provide concealed routes that can make a snake difficult to relocate once sight is lost. Harley assessed the surrounding cover and approached with professional equipment before the animal moved into a less accessible space. He secured it for lawful and humane relocation.
Safe action at a Western Sydney property
- Move children and pets indoors and do not stand between the snake and cover.
- Never lift deck boards, reach into gaps or search under stored materials.
- Use phone zoom for a photograph only if it can be done without moving closer.
- If anyone may have been bitten, call Triple Zero (000) and keep the person still.
Snakes in the City provides licensed snake removal across Penrith and Greater Sydney. Call Harley on 0411 103 488 and report the last known position, direction of travel and nearby hiding places.