Golden Crown Snake (Elapidae: Cacophis squamulosus) are venomous reptiles found in Australia, including the Sutherland Shire region.
Identification: The Golden Crown Snake is a relatively small snake, typically measuring around 40-60 centimeters (16-24 inches) in length, although some individuals can reach up to 80 centimeters (31 inches). It has a slender body with smooth scales and a distinct golden or yellow-colored crown-shaped marking on its head, which gives the snake its common name. The body coloration varies from grayish-brown to dark brown, and it may have lighter crossbands along its back.
Habitat: The Golden Crown Snake is primarily found in eastern Australia, inhabiting a variety of environments including woodlands, grasslands, heathlands, and coastal regions. They are often found in moist habitats near water sources such as creeks, swamps, and marshes. The snake is predominantly terrestrial but can climb trees and shrubs if necessary.
Behavior: Golden Crown Snakes are generally secretive and nocturnal, preferring to remain hidden during the day and becoming more active at night. They are non-aggressive snakes and will usually retreat when encountered rather than displaying aggression. If threatened, they may flatten their necks and raise their heads slightly, imitating the behavior of more venomous snakes as a defensive display. They are not known to bite humans unless provoked.
Diet: The diet of Golden Crown Snakes primarily consists of small vertebrates, with a particular preference for reptiles. They feed on skinks, geckos, small snakes, and occasionally small mammals such as mice. The snake is a constrictor, meaning it subdues its prey by coiling around it and squeezing until the prey is immobilized before swallowing it whole.
Venom: The Golden Crown Snake possesses venom, but it is considered to be mildly venomous and poses little threat to humans. The venom is primarily used to immobilize its small reptilian prey. Bites from this snake are rare, and if bitten, the symptoms are generally limited to local pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site. However, as with any snake bite, medical attention should be sought promptly.
If you encounter an Golden Crown snake or any snake in the Sutherland Shire area and require assistance, you can contact Tyler Gibbons at Shire Snake Wranglers. Here are the provided contact details:
Name: Tyler Gibbons
Phone number: 0428 458 856
Company: Shire Snake Wranglers
Snake Wranglers like Tyler Gibbons have expertise in handling and safely relocating snakes, ensuring both human safety and the welfare of the snakes. It's important to exercise caution and not attempt to handle or provoke a snake if you encounter one, and instead rely on trained professionals for assistance.
The Golden Crowned Snake (Cacophis squamulosus) is the fourth most commonly found snake in the Sutherland Shire, largely due to its nocturnal habits and preference for the area's moist, forested environments. These small, mildly venomous snakes are often encountered by residents and local snake catchers like those at Shire Snake Wranglers, as they forage for their prey, such as small reptiles and amphibians, during the night. Their relatively secretive nature and adaptation to urban-fringe habitats contribute to their frequent sightings in this region.
Call us immediately! And if possible, try to maintain a visual of the snake - from a safe distance.
Safely attempt to contain the snake to an area of the house or property by closing doors, blocking gaps etc.
If possible, take a photo and/or record a video of the snake and text it to us (for identification purposes).
Most importantly, do not attempt to touch or catch the snake yourself! Please leave this to the professionals.
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Alternatively, if you have a general question, or even some feedback, feel free to complete & submit the below form.
Yes, we are fully-licensed with the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Licence #MWL000103684
Absolutely not! It is extremely important that you do not attempt to catch the snake yourself. Please leave this to the professionals, to avoid any risk of being bitten and/or seriously injured.
No. Please keep small children and pets away from wherever you saw the snake in your home/property, until it has been safely captured.
If you have been bitten by a venomous snake, it is crucial to take immediate action! Here are some recommendations:
1. Stay Calm: Panicking increases your heart rate, which can cause the venom to spread quicker.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Do not attempt to drive yourself!
3. Keep Bite Area Immobilized: Immobilizing the bitten limb can slow down the spread of venom to other parts of the body.
4. Remove Constrictive Items: Snakebite swelling can progress rapidly, so remove any constrictive items, such as; rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the bite site.
5. Do Not Apply a Tourniquet: Contrary to popular belief, applying a tourniquet, or restricting blood flow, is not recommended and can cause more harm than good.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water! Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or other substances that can increase heart rate and blood flow.
7. Observe and Describe the Snake: If possible, try to remember the look of the snake that bit you. This information can help healthcare professionals determine the appropriate antivenom for treatment.
Yes, we do. The amount varies and is dependent on the date and time. However, we guarantee we are the cheapest snake catchers in the Sutherland Shire!