Grey Snake

Identification and appearance

The body is pale or dark grey to olive-grey. A black head and nape mark in juveniles becomes reduced or absent in adults.

Typical length

The NSW Government reports maximum total lengths of approximately 60.5 cm for males and 57.5 cm for females in NSW. Its sex-specific average measurements exclude the tail and are not used as a typical adult total-length interval.

Key identification features

• Grey to olive-grey body
• Young snakes have a dark head and nape; this marking reduces with age

Where it is found

Floodplain and wetland country in New South Wales, including inland southern NSW, extending into central Queensland.

Activity

Mostly active at dusk or night; it may forage for floodplain frogs in soil cracks or beneath vegetation, especially after heavy rain.

Diet

Feeds mainly on frogs.

Reproduction

Live-bearing.

Medical significance

The NSW profile describes a venomous snake that is not usually of high medical significance to people; any suspected snakebite still needs urgent emergency care. Call 000 and follow snakebite first aid for any suspected bite.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep well clear and leave a route towards cover. Do not chase, corner, handle or inspect it. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified local snake remover.

Similar-looking snakes

Photo: Greg Tasney · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Licence)

Elapidae

Small-eyed Snake

Cryptophis nigrescens

A glossy black snake of eastern Australia. Its pale to pinkish-red belly can resemble markings on other dark snakes, so colour alone is unreliable.

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