Are snakes more active during the night or day?

Different species of snakes have different patterns of behaviour and this includes at what time they are usually more active. Some snakes such as Carpet pythons are nocturnal, meaning they are more commonly active at night. Others such as the Eastern brown snake are diurnal and usually found out during the day. 

How can I tell if a snake is poisonous?

This question is one of my more commonly asked by people i encounter on the job. Firstly it should be noted that some snakes are venomous, they are not poisonous. Poison must be ingested or absorbed through the skin, venom is injected via a bite or sting into the body so there is a distinction there. Secondly, my general response to this question is to treat any snake you come across as venomous. Unless you are a professional it can be difficult to positively identify a snake as venomous or non venomous as there is not often visible indicators that you can use. 

If there is one snake on my property will there be more?

As a general rule most species of snakes are solitary animals and some even prey on other snakes so usually no. There are some exceptions though, such as during breeding season or if they are just passing through. There is some snake species that are known to be communal but for the most part if there is one snake there usually isn't another.

Are snakes slimy?

I am sometimes asked what snakes feel like as a lot of people believe they are slimy. This couldn't be further from the truth as snake scales are made of keratin (the same stuff as your fingernails) which gives them a smooth dry texture.

Are snakes faster than a human?

No. Snakes can strike quickly, and move quite quickly but they could not outrun a human and even the fastest moving snakes in the world are still slower than humans at a flat out run. 

Do snakes chase people?

Short answer is no. Snakes view humans as predators and will do whatever it takes to move away from us as quickly as possible, they absolutely do not chase humans. Although some snakes when being defensive will stand up and move towards you in a threatening posture, given the opportunity to flee they will take it and will not chase you.

Are snakes aggressive?

This can be debated depending on your point of view but my view is there is no such thing as an aggressive snake, only a defensive snake. The difference lies in the behaviour. An aggressive animal will show threatening and aggressive behaviour without any provocation, however snakes only show threatening behaviour in defence if they feel threatened. They will not attack you if they do not feel threatened so no, snakes are not aggressive.