Named for its distinct crown-shaped markings, the golden crowned snake is a common species found across Queensland, including in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast. Although these little snakes aren’t particularly dangerous to humans, their bites can sometimes require medical attention!
Keep an eye on your cats and dogs as our furry companions are known to hunt and bring in these snakes from time to time.
The golden crowned snake is typically brown in colour, ranging from dark brown to grayish-brown, with a lighter pink or cream-coloured belly. Their backs are slightly spotted, and their most noteworthy feature is the pale, yellow-brown ‘crown’ that starts at the snout, wraps around the side of the snake’s head, and trails down its back.
These snakes do not grow to large sizes, and averages for adults tend to be around 50-60cm long. The golden crowned snake has vertically elliptical pupils.
The golden crowned snake is most at home in wet, forested areas – particularly rainforests or deep forests. This is why they are predominantly spotted on the eastern coast of Australia and can be found in the deep forests to the north of this range. In the south, they are often found in sandstone areas, usually in the northern parts of Sydney.
Golden crowned snakes like to shelter under stones, logs and leaf litter during the day and will come out at night to feed, making this a nocturnal species.
The golden crowned snake is mildly venomous. Although this makes them a slightly lesser risk than if you encountered a red-bellied black snake, the golden crown snake is known to rear up into an S-like shape, displaying their bright ventral scales, and may even mock-bite to ward off would-be predators.
While the mock-biting may not result in any danger, larger golden crowned snakes have been known to actually bite when threatened. Bites should always be tended to immediately by professional health experts.
The diet of the golden crowned snake consists mostly of skinks and other small lizards. Being a nocturnal hunter, this species may also prey on frogs and tadpoles.
If you encounter a golden crowned snake or have one brought in by a pet, you can contact the experienced Snake Rescue Sunny Coast team to have the snake safely captured and relocated to a more suitable location. While these snakes are not considered to be dangerous, it is important to keep underaged children and small pets away from them.
To have an unwelcomed resident golden crown snake removed from your home, office, or yard, call the Snake Rescue Sunny Coast team today!
