Snakes play an important role in Tasmania’s ecosystems, but are often injured through human interaction, entanglement, or encounters with pets.
This practical guide has been developed by Wildlife Network Tasmania to support trained and permitted wildlife rehabilitators in the safe assessment, first aid, and rehabilitation of injured snakes.
It provides clear, step-by-step guidance on triage, handling, common injuries, parasite management, and ongoing care, with a strong focus on safety, containment, and reducing stress for both the animal and the handler.
This resource is intended for those with appropriate training and permits. If you are unsure or inexperienced, always seek assistance from a qualified snake handler or wildlife veterinarian.
Important: Wildlife Network Tasmania does not recommend that wildlife rehabilitators attempt to handle venomous snakes unless they are appropriately trained, experienced, and permitted to do so. In most cases, a qualified snake handler should be contacted to manage capture and handling.
Handling venomous snakes carries significant risk, and the safety of the person must always come first. This resource is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional training, experience, or veterinary advice.
