Snake nearby? Stay calm and follow these steps
Urgent help without adding to the panic
An emergency snake call-out is usually less about the species and more about the setting. A snake inside a home, beside a child’s play area, near a dog or in an active workplace needs calm scene control and prompt professional advice.
Harley will ask where the snake was last seen, whether it is still visible, who is nearby and whether doors, traffic or machinery create extra risk. Do not delay the call while trying to identify or photograph it.
When a sighting should be treated as urgent
Call immediately when a snake is inside a building, close to a doorway or path, near children or pets, or in a place where customers, staff or contractors could encounter it unexpectedly.
Urgent does not mean chasing or cornering the animal. Move people away, keep a safe line of sight if possible and allow the snake an escape route while you speak with Harley.
Inside a home
Bedrooms, bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, hallways and garage-connected rooms.
Near children
Play areas, schools, childcare grounds, sports areas and shared residential spaces.
Near animals
Backyards, kennels, poultry areas, stables and places where pets cannot be safely contained.
At a workplace
Warehouses, shops, loading areas, strata property and other high-traffic locations.
What to do while arranging help
The safest response is controlled and simple. Avoid sudden attempts to move the snake or prove where it is hiding.
- Move children, visitors, workers and pets away from the area.
- Do not touch, trap, strike, spray or crowd the snake.
- Watch from a safe position and note where it moves.
- Close an internal door only when that can be done without approaching it.
- Call Harley on 0411 103 488 and explain the last known position.
Information that helps Harley assess the call
Give the suburb, property type and safest access point. Explain whether the snake is visible, where it could hide and whether anyone or any animal may have made contact.
Attendance timing depends on Harley’s current location, traffic and active jobs. The phone call is the best way to receive practical advice for the situation in front of you.
Professional reptile capture and relocation
NSW catch-and-release work requires the appropriate wildlife licence. Harley operates under NSW General Licence MWL000102655, uses specialist handling equipment and focuses on safe, lawful and humane relocation.
A call-out cannot guarantee capture if the animal has already left or cannot be located. Harley will give straightforward advice based on the site and last known position.
Professional, licensed and realistic
Harley operates under NSW General Licence MWL000102655 and uses appropriate equipment for safe capture, containment and humane relocation. If a snake has already left or cannot be located, capture cannot be guaranteed; Harley will provide practical advice based on the site and last known position.