Mr Slytherin

09/04/2026

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08/02/2026

Tyabb’s top two.
These two shots, taken almost exactly ten years apart show the length of the two longest, and by default, largest Lowland Copperheads I have encountered in our local area (sample size 25+ years). Unfortunately both animals were victims of the wildlife road toll.
This is not a rant apart cars and wildlife, more a story about the large “brown” snakes we find in our area.
Often mistaken for Reb-bellied black snakes and Brown snakes, the Lowland Copperhead is essentially the only species of snake found in Tyabb (no you didn’t, just take my word for it). As we move into surrounding areas, Somerville, Hastings and Mooroduc, Tiger Snakes become more common also, and if you’re lucky, Eastern small-eyed snakes.
This is also not a rant post about mistaken identity, but a bit of info about how big Copperheads actually get. Yes, they can grow larger, but locally this is about as big as they get.
The sad part about the top three largest specimens I have ever come across were all hit and killed on roads.
When an apex animal is removed from its habitat it makes way for smaller, less dominant animals (bare that in mind next time you go for the shovel). Large Copperheads eat smaller ones and other snakes too.
Whilst we’re all trying to raise awareness about our beautiful fluffy locals (as we should), spare a thought for the thousands of snakes, lizards and turtles that get skittled by road traffic. They’re an equally important part of our environment.
After a decade of relocating snakes locally, it’s helped build a good picture of which snakes occur where and the size local species attain.
A Copperhead in excess of one metre is possibly ten years old or older. And, it’s these larger sizes that potentially make them more vulnerable to road death, as they have larger home ranges, fewer predators and are willing to search for food, water and snakey love across greater distances.
Hopefully one day I will be lucky enough to safely relocate the new title holder.
And save the “good snake dead snake” comments for the bogans ‘r us pages!
Be kind to snakes 👍🏻🐍
Mr S. Your local snake catcher.

19/10/2025

🐯

10/08/2025

You better believe it 👍🏻🐍☀️

25/02/2025

Come and meet some of the amazing snakes that live at Slytherin HQ. 👍🏻🐍
We’ll also be discussing (and demonstrating) our local species, and looking at what impact a hot, dry Summer may have on our scaley friends.

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Show times are up.
One of the most popular attractions the past few years and it’s FREE
Mr Slytherin snake & reptile shows are educational for all ages.
10.30am 12.30pm 2.30pm
In the Mechanics Hall

14/02/2025

Looking forward to a big day of all things snakey 🐍🐍🐍
Local species on display, and a few myths to debunk! 👍🏻🐍💚

Mr Slytherin is back in the Mechanics Hall conducting snake and reptile shows. Safe and full of so much information it’s a must for all ages. Show times will be announced soon.

05/12/2024

Such an awesome group to work with. Put in so much work and energy, so kids have the best experience possible.
Thanks again Beachwood Bonbeach Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten

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14/10/2024

What? They can climb?

Yes, “terrestrial” snakes can, and do climb.
Tiger snakes in particular, are very adept at climbing. One of the reasons for this is in pursuit of food. At this time of the year, nestling birds are an excellent food source, as they can not escape. A mature Tiger snake, like that in the attached pics, will make short work of all nest occupants.
I know it may seem a little morbid, but this also helps to keep introduced bird species in check. Introduced Blackbirds and Spotted Doves are often on the menu.
Be good to snakes 👍🏻🐍

27/09/2024

Really looking forward to this talk. Should be a fantastic night.

02/09/2024

Cool snakey stuff👌🏻🐍

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