--- title: "Get to Know the Snakes in Darwin | Australia Wide First Aid" description: "Darwin and the wider Top End region of the Northern Territory is home to over 40 native snake species. It this article, we help you decrease your risk of a snake bite by uncovering the main identifying characteristics of seven of Darwin's most common snake species. " canonical: "https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/snakes-in-darwin" --- # Get to Know the Snakes in Darwin [Resources](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources) › [Bites and Stings](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources?genre=bites-and-stings) Bites and Stings The Darwin region of the Northern Territory is home to over 40 native snake species. These snakes can range from the perfectly harmless to the virtually deadly. Continue reading for more information about the main identifying characteristics and preferred habitats of seven of Darwin's most common snake species. Only by increasing your awareness of snakes can you decrease your risk of a snake bite. We also cover snake bites in our [general](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/courses/first-aid?utm_source=website&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=snakes+in+darwin) and [childcare](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/courses/child-care-first-aid?utm_source=website&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=snakes+in+darwin) first aid courses - head to our website to find and enrol at a training location near you, including [Darwin](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/nt/darwin)! ## Golden tree snake - Can grow up to 2 metres long - The scales on its back and sides can range from gold to yellow brown, occasionally with lighter markings - the scales on its underbelly are also lighter - The scales on its head and neck can range from slate grey to bluish Golden tree snakes are frog eaters and so thrive in urban areas where there are plenty of green tree frogs, as well as trees and hollows in which they can shelter. Though they are not venomous, they can emit a foul odour if handled firmly. ## Olive python - Can grow up to 6.5m long - The scales on their back and sides are shiny and can range from olive to yellow brown - The scales on their underbelly can range from cream to yellow - They have a large, oval shaped head These non-venomous, ground-dwelling snakes typically inhabit rocky areas and gorges, where they shelter in rocks, caves, and hollow logs and prey on birds, mammals, and other reptiles. ## Carpet python - As with most pythons, they are heavy bodied, have a large head, and can grow up to several metres long - The patterns on their scales can vary, but typically include bands of brown, black, and cream They can inhabit a wide range of habitats from rainforest and dry woodland to suburban backyards and highly disturbed farmland, where they mostly feed on mammals. Though they are not venomous, they can bite if provoked and cause significant lacerations or punctures. ## Water python - Can grow up to 2.5 metres long - The scales on their back and sides have a rainbow sheen and can range from dark olive to black - The scales on their underbelly can range from dull to bright yellow Water pythons are non-venomous, semi-aquatic, and generally encountered close to rivers, creeks, and other freshwater sources. Here, they prey on a variety of animals, including rats, wallabies, and water birds. ## Slaty grey snake - Can grow up to 2 metres long - The scales on their back and sides are shiny and can range from deep brown to a dark grey or charcoal - The scales on their underbelly can range from white to cream The [Slatey grey snake](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/slaty-grey-snake) is generally found in moist forests and open grass and woodlands with floodplains. Here, they shelter beneath rocks, logs, and leaf litter and prey on mammals, birds, and frogs. Though they are not venomous, they can react aggressively and emit a foul odour if disturbed. ## Death adder - They have a short, stubby body that can grow up to 1.2 metres long - They have a broad head with raised ridges above the eyes - The scales on their back and sides can be variable in colour with contrasting bands - The scales on their underbelly can range from cream to grey [Death adders](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/death-adder) are common in forests, woodlands, and heath, where they cover themselves with leaves to ambush frogs, lizards, and birds. They are highly venomous snakes - in fact, before the introduction of antivenom, 60% of their bites to humans were fatal. ## King brown (Mulga snake) - Can grow up to 2.5 metres long - The scales on their back and sides are large, defined, and can vary greatly from a pale brown to a rich reddish brown - The scales on their underbelly can range from cream to white The Mulga snake can occur in a broad range of habitats, from closed tropical monsoon forest to sandy desert. Here, they shelter in disused animal burrows, soil cracks, and under large rocks and feed mostly on vertebrate prey. They are considered dangerous snakes, as their venom is highly toxic and can disrupt nerve, muscle, and red blood cells. ## First aid It is important to remember, snakes of the same species can vary dramatically in colour, pattern, and size. As such, all snake bites should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise by a doctor at a hospital. To learn how to identify and manage a snake bite, head to our article on [snake bite first aid](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/first-aid-for-snake-bites). And if you need a snake relocated from your property, contact a professional snake catcher. ## Final thoughts We also cover snake bites in our [general](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/courses/first-aid?utm_source=website&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=snakes+in+darwin) and [childcare](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/courses/child-care-first-aid?utm_source=website&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=snakes+in+darwin) first aid courses. Our training locations can be found in every state, capital city, and major town throughout Australia, including [Darwin](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/nt/darwin). Head to our website to find and enrol at a training location [near you](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/courses?utm_source=website&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=snakes+in+darwin). ## Similar articles - [The Common Spiders of Darwin](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/the-common-spiders-of-darwin): Darwin, the tropical capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife - including an impressive array of spiders. From the sprawling webs of golden orb-weavers to the cryptic camouflage of trapdoor spiders, these arachnids play a vital role in the local ecosystem. While some may inspire fear, the majority are harmless and even beneficial, helping to control insect populations. - [First Aid for a Cat Bite](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/first-aid-for-a-cat-bite): Cat bites, while often underestimated, can lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly and properly. Cats' mouths harbour a variety of bacteria that can cause infections in humans. - [First Aid for Drop Bear Attacks](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/first-aid-for-drop-bear-attacks): Encounters with wildlife can often be thrilling, but when it comes to the creature known as the drop bear, the experience can quickly turn dangerous. A sharp increase in recent attacks prompts the need for understanding proper first aid procedures in case of an attack. ## Learn this hands-on Reading is a start — a nationally accredited course makes it stick. [Find a course and check live session availability](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/#find-course). --- **Australia Wide First Aid** · RTO 31961 - Phone: (07) 3437 7500 - Email: info@australiawidefirstaid.com.au - Hours: Mon – Fri 7am – 7pm (AEST)