Introduction
Brisbane’s warm climate and green corridors make it ideal snake habitat. While the region is famous for venomous species, there are also many non‑venomous (or low‑risk) snakes that quietly keep local ecosystems balanced. Understanding snakes in the local ecosystem helps us appreciate why these reptiles matter. This list focuses on non‑venomous snakes commonly reported in Brisbane and surrounding SEQ, plus a few lookalikes people often mistake for snakes.
If you ever find a snake in a risky location, keep a safe distance and call a professional Snake Catcher Brisbane North. For urgent situations, Emergency Snake Removal is the safest option, and you can learn more about snake removal cost if you need to plan ahead.
1) Carpet Python (Morelia spilota)
Carpet pythons are the most commonly encountered non‑venomous snakes in Brisbane. They’re excellent climbers, often found in roof spaces or trees, and feed on birds and small mammals. Despite their size, they’re generally calm if left alone.
2) Diamond Python (Morelia spilota spilota)
This striking subspecies of carpet python is more common in the SEQ hinterland and coastal ranges. Its bold diamond pattern makes it easy to identify. Like all pythons, it kills prey by constriction and poses no venom risk to humans.
3) Jungle Python (Morelia spilota cheynei)
Another carpet python subspecies, jungle pythons are seen in parts of SEQ, especially in rainforested foothills. They’re famous for high‑contrast gold and black markings. Sightings around Brisbane are less common but do occur in nearby ranges.
4) Spotted Python (Antaresia maculosa)
Spotted pythons are smaller, nocturnal, and often live around rocky areas or roof cavities. They feed on geckos, frogs, and small mammals, making them effective backyard pest controllers.
5) Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata)
This slender, fast‑moving snake is harmless and highly arboreal. It’s often seen in shrubs and trees after rain, hunting frogs and small lizards. Its bright green colour can fade to olive or bronze in different habitats.
6) Slaty‑grey Snake (Stegonotus cucullatus)
Slaty‑grey snakes are non‑venomous, ground‑dwelling reptiles found in SEQ forests and creek lines. They’re most active at night and are known to eat frogs, small mammals, and other reptiles.
7) Keelback (Tropidonophis mairii)
Keelbacks are semi‑aquatic and often found near water. They’re particularly valued because they can eat cane toads without being harmed. Their keeled scales give them a slightly rough appearance.
8) Eastern Blind Snake (Anilios nigrescens)
These tiny, worm‑like snakes live under leaf litter and in garden soil. They’re completely harmless and rarely seen, but they help control ant and termite larvae.
9) Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis)
The brown tree snake is rear‑fanged with mild venom and is not considered dangerous to humans, but it should still never be handled. It’s a skilled climber with large eyes, often found in trees and roof spaces at night.
10) Golden‑crowned Snake (Cacophis squamulosus)
Another small, secretive rear‑fanged species, the golden‑crowned snake lives in leaf litter and rocky gullies. It’s shy, largely nocturnal, and not considered medically significant, but still deserves the same caution you’d give any wild snake.
A Common Lookalike (Not a Snake)
Eastern water dragons are often mistaken for snakes at a distance, especially when they slip into the water. They’re lizards, not snakes, and are common along creeks and parks in Brisbane. While non‑venomous, they can bite if cornered.
Conclusion
Brisbane is home to a wide range of non‑venomous snakes that play important roles in controlling pests and maintaining balance. Even harmless species deserve space and respect, and the safest approach is always to observe from a distance. If you’d like to reduce encounters, practical tips in Snake Proof Your Home can help you make your property less attractive to wildlife. By understanding these species, we can coexist safely with the rich biodiversity Brisbane has to offer.