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Catch and Release Reptiles

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) may issue a licence to suitably qualified people to catch and release reptiles. A licence allows handlers to legally catch and release reptiles (usually snakes) from commercial and residential homes and backyards. Reptile handlers operate under strict licence conditions to ensure human safety and animal welfare.

Licence requirements

Applicants for a catch and release reptile licence need to apply to OEH and demonstrate and/or provide:

• They are 18 years or over in age;
• Why a licence should be granted and describe the location/ area where they will operate;
• Two written references from people who can validate their ability and experience;
• They hold a current first aid certificate, public liability insurance and personal accident insurance (If you have an authority under a licensed wildlife rehabilitation group, you may already be covered by the group's insurance);
• Evidence that you have completed a recognised reptile handling course or have at least two years proven experience in handling venomous snakes.

FAQ

I have a snake in my home. What should I do?

• The safest thing to do is not to try and handle or kill the snake. Keep children and pets well away. Call a local reptile handler (reptilehandlerlist.pdf, 60KB) or wildlife rehabilitation group. They will remove the snake from your home.

Useful documents and links

• Learn more about snakes
• Reptile catch and release licence application form (Reptilecatchandreleaseapplication.pdf, 45KB)
• Reptile catch and release licence template (ReptileCRLicencetemplate.pdf, 55KB)
• See a list of NSW herpetology societies
• Hygiene protocol for the control of disease in snakes

Contact the Wildlife Licensing and Management Unit for further information.