GOLDEN-CROWNED SNAKE
Significance to Humans:
Not considered dangerous to humans. All crowned snakes are reluctant biters, relying more on bluff display than bite. They are weakly venomous and have tiny mouths and short fangs. They will generally rear up & 'mock strike' with mouth closed, more of a 'head butt'. If bitten, as with any snake bite, apply correct first aid and seek medical attention.
General description:
Dorsal surface grayish-brown to dark brown, underbelly with orange to pink with mid line of black spots. The 'Crown' of pale yellow-brown stripe starting at snout & sweeping back along both sides of face, not connecting at the back like the head, instead trailing down the neck.
Average Length:
50-90 cm making it the largest of the Crowned snakes.
Habitat in SE Qld:
Moist sheltered areas within forests, woodlands and heathland.
General habits:
Secretive, nocturnal snakes. By day, they shelter in slightly moist situations beneath rocks, logs and mats of leaf-litter. In the backyard, compost heaps and rockeries provide ideal habitats. After dark, these snakes emerge to hunt lizards, particularly skinks. Since the bulk of their prey consists of swift sun- loving species, it seems likely that these are captured at night as they sleep. Crowned snakes are largely terrestrial (ground dwelling).
Diet:
Lizard & skink specialist.
Local distribution:
Prefers wetter forested suburbs including but not limited to the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Nambour, Beerwah and Doonan.
Around the home:
Compost heaps, moist garden areas with abundant leaf-litter, and around rockeries provide ideal habitat. Often taken by roaming cats at night.
WEAKLY-VENOMOUS
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