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American corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

If released into the wild in Australia, corn snakes could prey on and out-compete native species. In Queensland, they are prohibited invasive animals, and sightings must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland immediately.

Key facts

Type: Pest animal, reptile.

Native to: North America.

Established in: QLD, NSW.

Other names: Corn snake, Red rat snake.

Identification

  • A constrictor snake that generally has vivid reddish or orange blotches edged in black on a grey or orange background.
  • Adults reach about 1–1.5 m long within 3–5 years, and their skin colour intensifies with age.
  • The underside pattern resembles multicoloured ornamental corn.
  • Albino and other light-coloured forms are also known from the pet trade.

Where it lives

Suitable habitats include dry fields, open woodlands, grasslands and rocky hillsides; the species is considered highly suited to Australian conditions but is not currently known to exist in the wild in Queensland.

Why it matters

  • It eats native species and may prey on small mammals and reptiles.
  • It could out-compete native species for resources.
  • It could spread exotic reptile diseases.
  • It is traded through the illegal pet market.

How it spreads

  • Corn snakes kept as pets could be released into the wild, where they could prey on and out-compete native species.
  • They are highly suited to Australian conditions, and restrictions apply in Queensland to their import, possession and sale.

Control methods

  • Keep people and pets away and do not try to capture or move the snake yourself.
  • Report every sighting to Biosecurity Queensland immediately and follow its directions for removal.
  • Do not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release the snake into the environment.
  • If you are in possession of one, contact the Biosecurity Queensland Customer Service Centre immediately.

Site hygiene and welfare

  • Before moving vehicles, equipment or materials from a site, check them so a snake is not inadvertently transported.
  • Do not transport a snake between sites.
  • Use methods set out in the national model codes of practice and standard operating procedures for the species.
  • Coordinate control with neighbours and the local government biosecurity plan, as isolated effort is quickly undone by reinvasion.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): National priority exotic pest. On the National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases, so any new detection should be reported straight away.
  • Queensland: Prohibited matter. Report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 within 24 hours and do not move or deal with it. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Prohibited dealing. It must not be kept, sold or released in NSW except for approved exhibition or research. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Controlled pest animal. It is a controlled pest animal in Victoria, so it can only be kept in high security collections under permit. Report any sighting to Agriculture Victoria.
  • South Australia: Declared animal. Declared animals have legal restrictions, which can cover keeping, moving, selling and releasing them, and landowners may be required to control them.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Not a declared pest. Not a declared pest or prohibited matter in Tasmania. Importing animals is still controlled by Biosecurity Tasmania.
  • Northern Territory: Prohibited entrant. Wildlife that is not native to the NT is a prohibited entrant, so you need an NT permit to bring it in or keep it. Report any wild sighting to the NT Government.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • Queensland: Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), administered by Biosecurity Queensland (13 25 23)
  • New South Wales: Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW), administered by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Sources