🐍 Snake Safety Guidelines – Berry Springs Farmstay
Snakes are an important part of the Northern Territory ecosystem, but it’s essential to stay alert and follow safe practices to prevent bites.
By being aware, cautious, and respectful of wildlife, you can enjoy your stay safely and confidently.
🧠 Awareness & Education
🔹 Know the local species: Learn about the snakes commonly found around Berry Springs, including which are venomous.
🔹 Understand their behavior: Snakes are usually shy and avoid humans. They’re most active in warm weather and often move around at night.
🔹 Respect their role: Snakes help control pests like rodents — avoid harming them and focus on prevention instead.
👖 Personal Safety Measures
🥾 Wear protective clothing when walking, gardening, or working near tall grass — long pants, boots, and thick socks provide good protection.
🚶 Use a walking stick to tap the ground ahead when walking through bushy or grassy areas; this warns snakes of your presence.
🌿 Stay on clear paths and avoid dense vegetation, tall grass, or rock piles where snakes might hide.
🏡 Home & Property Safety
🧹 Keep areas tidy: Remove piles of wood, debris, and clutter where snakes might seek shelter.
🚪 Seal entry points: Close gaps under doors, around windows, and near pipes.
🐭 Control rodents: Snakes are drawn to food sources — keeping rodent numbers down helps deter them.
🌸 Maintain garden edges: Regularly trim grass and clear around fences, sheds, and enclosures.
⚠️ Behavioral Precautions
😌 Stay calm if you see a snake. Do not panic, run, or make sudden movements. Step back slowly and give it space to move away.
🚫 Never handle or chase snakes. Even harmless ones can bite if threatened.
🌙 Be cautious at night: Always use a torch or headlamp when walking outside after dark.
⛺ Camping & Outdoor Activities
🏕️ Inspect your surroundings before setting up camp or sitting down in grassy areas.
🥫 Store food properly and away from sleeping areas — it can attract rodents, which in turn attract snakes.
🪶 Keep tents zipped and sleeping areas closed at all times.
👟 Check shoes and bags before use, especially if left outside overnight.
🚨 Emergency Preparedness
📞 Know what to do in case of a bite:
Stay calm and keep the bitten limb still.
Call 000 for emergency help immediately.
Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake — describe its appearance to responders instead.
📍 Know where the nearest medical facility is and ensure you have a way to contact emergency services.
💚 Living Safely with Wildlife
At Berry Springs Farmstay, we share our home with native animals, including snakes.
By staying alert, maintaining tidy surroundings, and respecting wildlife, we help keep both people and animals safe.
🌿 Stay observant, move carefully, and enjoy the beauty of the Northern Territory’s natural environment responsibly.