Snakes aren’t chasing you. Spiders aren’t killers. And most pet snakebites are preventable. Here’s how to stay calm – and smart – around our wildlife this summer.
Every summer, the internet rediscovers Australia’s scary wildlife.
Tourists freak out over huntsman spiders. Hollywood actors joke that filming here is great – except for the part where “everything’s trying to kill you”. TikTok piles on with dramatic snake encounters and viral myths about flesh-eating spiders.
But this doesn’t reflect what life’s actually like in South Australia.
Yes, we have snakes and spiders – and yes, they become more active during summer. But most of the fear is fuelled by stories, not stats.
And the safest way to handle snake or spider season isn’t with panic – it’s with awareness and respect.
Here’s how to stay safe this summer, with advice from the Department for Environment and Water – who work with experts to help South Australians understand and live safely alongside native wildlife.
Snakes: The risk that’s real – and what the numbers actually show
Snakes are more active during summer, when they emerge from their winter slowdown (called brumation) to search for food and mates. That means more movement – through bushland, parks, and sometimes suburban backyards.
South Australia does see snake bites every year, but the numbers tell a different story from what you’ll often hear.
Across Australia, we average only about two snake-bite deaths a year – despite hundreds of hospitalisations. That’s not because snake-bites aren’t dangerous, but because most people now get quick access to treatment and antivenom.
So there’s no need to panic if you’re bitten – but snake bites are serious, and getting medical help quickly really matters.
Fatal snake-bite cases
Most fatal cases involve one or more of the following:
- Trying to catch, kill or move a snake
- Delaying medical help
- Getting bitten at or near home – not out in the bush
This isn’t about blame. It’s about behaviour. Snakes don’t chase people. They defend themselves when startled, cornered or attacked – and panic increases the risk of making things worse.
The ones to know: SA snakes
The most commonly-encountered venomous snakes in SA are the eastern brown snake, tiger snake, and red-bellied black snake. You might also come across copperheads, western brown snakes, death adders, or even the enormous mulga (king brown) snake, especially in regional or remote areas.
All are protected species and play an important role in the ecosystem – especially in controlling rats and mice.
And while some are more venomous than others, the safety advice is always the same: don’t go near them, and don’t try to move or kill them.
Snakes aren’t invading
Snakes don’t “move in” during summer. They pass through areas where they can find food, warmth and shelter – which might include your backyard if there’s long grass, water, or rats and mice.
Trying to deal with snakes yourself doesn’t make your backyard safer – in fact, it’s when most bites happen. Giving them space and calling a licensed handler is safer for everyone.
Spiders: The fear is loud – the danger is not
Spiders top the list of irrational Aussie fears – but they’re less dangerous than snakes, and far less deadly than cars, cows or bees.
No one has died from a spider bite in Australia since 1979. That’s despite thousands of bites and hundreds of hospital visits. The reason? We have effective antivenoms for the only two spiders ever linked to deaths – redbacks and funnel-webs.
Most bites don’t even need treatment – and a surprising number of them aren’t even real bites. Spiders get blamed for scratches, allergic reactions or skin infections all the time.
They’ve also become one of our most misunderstood animals – thanks to TikTok, urban legends, and good old-fashioned arachnophobia.
The ones to know: SA’s spiders
In South Australia, redbacks are the main spider to watch for – easily recognised by the red stripe on their back. They can cause serious bites, but treatment is available, and they’re not a fatal threat when managed properly.
Funnel-webs, while dangerous, don’t live in SA – despite what the internet or your cousin’s mate might say. And white-tailed spiders, while often feared, don’t cause flesh-eating wounds. That myth’s been thoroughly debunked.
Most of the spiders you’ll see at home are harmless. Huntsmen might look scary, but they’re shy and non-venomous. Daddy longlegs and garden orb-weavers help control mozzies, cockroaches and flies – and they pose no threat to people.
Living alongside wildlife this summer – without freaking out
There’s no need to turn your home into a fortress because of snakes and spiders. But there are a few habits that make summer safer for you, your pets and your local wildlife:
- Wear shoes outdoors and use a torch at night
- Don’t stick your hands where you can’t see
- Keep your lawn and garden tidy
- Avoid leaving food or rubbish out that could attract rodents (and therefore snakes)
- If you spot a snake, give it space and call a licensed catcher
- Relocate spiders if needed, but know they’re often doing more good than harm – especially when it comes to keeping mozzies, cockroaches and flies in check
These animals have as much right to be here as we do. They’ve adapted to live alongside us. It’s on us to return the favour.
A quick note for pet owners
Dogs and cats are far more likely to be bitten by a snake than humans – mostly because they’ll chase or pounce without knowing the risk.
Keeping dogs on a lead when walking through bushland, creeks or long grass (especially in national parks) makes a big difference. At home, supervision, snake-proof enclosures and tidy backyards help too.
Cats are safer indoors – not just from snakes, but because they’re a major threat to native birds and wildlife. They might look sweet and fluffy, but letting them roam puts a lot of pressure on local ecosystems.
Keeping cats contained protects them and the animals around them – check out The Dog and Cat Board’s Roam to Home guide for tips to help you bring your roaming cat inside, to be safe, comfortable and happy.
If you suspect a bite, don’t wait. Get straight to a vet. Fast action can save their life.
Find more info and advice on staying safe around snakes and spiders this summer here and here.
