Other animals and pests

Download the "Other animals and pests" factsheet

The City of Yarra, although located in inner Melbourne, has many open space areas, including parklands, gardens, sports grounds, golf courses and nature strips along the river. Many residents also have wonderful gardens on their properties. All of these areas are a great support and home to many native and non native animals in Yarra.

Possums
Snakes
Bees and European Wasps
Swooping birds

Possums
There are two types of possums in urban areas - the Common Ringtail Possum and the Common Brushtail Possum. The Common Brushtail Possum is about the same size as a cat. It has large pointed ears, grey fur and a bushy black tail. The Common Ringtail Possum is much smaller, about half the size of a cat. Ringtail possums have round ears, a grey back with rusty sides and a curled tail with a white tip.

Possums are native wildlife. All native wildlife is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the relocation of possums is prohibited.

Possums can sometimes create a nuisance for residents for a variety of reasons – such as noises in the roof, damage to gardens or plants, droppings on paved areas and causing dogs to bark.

Possums may be trapped, but only to remove them from a roof. They must be released on the same property within 50 metres of the capture site. Licensed wildlife controllers are also authorised to trap possums but they will not relocate them to another site.

Common Ringtail Possums remain fully protected and may not be trapped.

Contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email at customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au for a list of licensed possum controllers.

If you come across an injured possum, please contact Council’s Community Amenity Unit on 9205 5063.

Snakes
Residents in Yarra need to always be aware of the potential danger of coming across a snake, particularly in the summer months. They thrive in warm weather and are most active on warm nights. They often find a home in backyards usually in search of water, food and a place to hide. 

The most common types of snakes found in this area are the Easter Brown, the Lowland Copperhead and the Tiger snake.

To discourage snakes from visiting you at home, ensure your garden is well maintained, clear of rubbish, and keep your grass short. Try not to leave stacks of timber or sheets of iron lying around and keep any outdoor goods, in particular grain or pet food, stored off the ground and in a clean environment. When gardening, wear gloves and footwear and when doing maintenance to your property turn outdoor lights on and avoid nooks where snakes may hide.

If you see a snake, do not approach it, attempt to kill it or try and capture it. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Management Act 1984. Although snakes are passive and prefer to keep away from people, they can strike if they feel threatened. Stay calm and try and take note of the snake’s appearance.

To remove a snake from your property, residents need to call a professional snake catcher.

If you are bitten by a snake, the Victorian Poisons Information centre advises not to wash the bite as traces of venom can be used to identify the snake and the anti-venom required. Apply a firm bandage to the bitten area and keep the victim still. Drive the victim to the nearest hospital or immediately call 000 for an ambulance.

Bees and European Wasps
Bees and wasps are most active during spring and summer. Honeybees form swarms as part of the establishment of new hives and colonies. Swarms in open areas can easily be caught and hived by people who are experienced at handling bees.

Wasp nests can be found mainly in dark, protective areas including under the house, amongst ivy, underground and in the walls of weatherboard houses.

Some tips for discouraging wasps nesting in your house and yard:

• Cover swimming pools, bird baths and ponds
• Cover windows and doors with fly screens
• Remove all garden clippings, compost, pet food and damaged / rotten fruit from your garden.
• Water the garden at night time when wasps are least active.

To treat European wasps and bees found flying inside you house, use a normal insect spray but check the label to make sure it is suitable for these two pests.
 
The removal of swarms, hives and nests should always be carried out by a professional.

It is important to note that if the nest or hive is located on your land you are responsible for its removal or treatment. Under Council's Environment Local Law, a Notice may be issued requiring removal or treatment to be carried out. If the nest or hive is on Council land, please contact Council on 9205 5063.

Swooping birds
Birds swoop to protect their nest, eggs and young. Swooping mainly occurs in spring. Some tips on how to deal with swooping birds:

• Try and avoid the area if possible
• Move quickly through the area but do not run or cycle
• Make sure you wear a hat or a helmet
• Carry an umbrella or stick
• Try and travel in a group
• Try wearing sun-glasses on the back of your head or drawing a pair of eyes on the back of your helmet.

For more information or to report swooping birds contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136 186 or visit www.dse.vic.gov.au.

For more information on pets and animals in Yarra please phone Council on 9205 5063.

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Further information

Community Amenity
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road Richmond
Telephone 9205 5063
Email info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Links

Within this site
Yarra City Council

Wildlife Victoria 13 000 WILDLIFE (13 000 94535)

Information supplied by: Electronic communications & design officer - 9205 5214

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