Snake bites have seen a sharp spike across the state in recent months, with an
alarming increase in reported incidents in both regional and metropolitan areas. Data
from the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) highlights a growing number of
cases, including multiple incidents requiring hospitalisation. Paramedics have
responded to bites affecting people of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly, in
locations ranging from Brisbane backyards to bushland.
Since 14 February, QAS has reported more than 50 snake bites across Queensland,
with seven people hospitalised for snake bites over the 10 February weekend. The
Sunshine Coast region has also recorded numerous snake bites since the start of
February, including incidents in Black Mountain, Nambour, Buderim, Kawana, and
Little Mountain, and also at Ningi and K’gari where a woman in her 50s was airlifted
to hospital. While being treated for a snake bite in Nambour General Hospital a local
resident (who prefers to remain anonymous) reported on FaceBook that she was
one of “3 people in Nambour hospital with a brown snake bite”. On March 30 a
Maroochydore man was also hospitalised due to a snake bite. In the Noosa-Cooroy
area local wildlife experts warn that snake encounters remain frequent, especially as
urban development encroaches on natural habitats.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast have also experienced numerous bites, with recent
cases in Ashgrove, Saint Lucia and Bald Hills. Gold Coast paramedics responded to
at least five reports in early February. Further north, Rockhampton, Townsville and
Cairns have recorded multiple incidents.
Local snake catcher with more than 10 years’ experience, Luke Huntley, has
witnessed the impact of increasing human–snake encounters firsthand. “Snakes
aren’t aggressive by nature; most of the time when people get bitten, it’s because
they’ve tried to interact with the snake, whether by catching or killing it,” he said.
“More people are being bitten because they don’t want to pay for a professional, and
try to remove the snake themselves. It’s a dangerous gamble.” He also warns that
social media has created a false sense of confidence. “People see snake catchers
handling snakes on social media and think, ‘I can do that’, but what they don’t realise
is that one mistake could be life or death,” he said.
Recent weather conditions may also be playing a role in the rise of snake activity.
“When we get long periods of hot and dry, snakes tend to disappear and shelter from
the heat. But as soon as it cools down, they start coming out to hunt and hydrate,”
Huntley explained.
Snake bite symptoms can range from mild pain and swelling to severe reactions
such as vomiting, paralysis, and loss of consciousness. QAS urges the public to treat
every snake bite as potentially venomous. Luke agrees, stressing the importance of acting quickly. “If you think you’ve been bitten by a snake, put a bandage on it and
get to the hospital; don’t wait to see if symptoms develop.”
The eastern brown snake, one of the most venomous species in Australia, is
frequently encountered in Queensland. “The most common place to bump into an
eastern brown snake? Walking tracks through the dunes at the beach,” Luke said.
Despite their reputation, he insists that most snakes prefer to avoid confrontation. “A
six-foot brown snake will sometimes just freeze, hoping you won’t see it. They’d
rather hide than fight.”
As 2025 progresses, experts are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared.
Simple precautions, such as wearing enclosed shoes and gloves when gardening,
and being cautious in known snake habitats, can help reduce risks. Luke has had his
own share of encounters. “I’ve had a few snake bites over the years, but I’ve been
lucky, only dry bites; I have never needed antivenom.” His advice to the public
remains straightforward: “If you give snakes the respect they deserve and a bit of
space, you’ll be absolutely fine.”