Kangaroos
The Western Grey Kangaroo is widespread across the South West and is often spotted in areas away from main roads. Be especially cautious when driving at dusk and during the night.
These kangaroos enjoy grazing and resting on lawns at various properties. Observe them from a safe distance, but avoid getting too close.
Lizards, Skinks & Bobtails
Lizards are the most frequently spotted reptiles in the South West. If your backyard or garden has a warm area, you’re likely to have a skink or lizard living nearby! Skinks especially enjoy basking on rock walls. They are harmless but may be drawn to food scraps left on decks or in courtyards.
Possums
The Western Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) is a critically endangered tree-dwelling marsupial found exclusively in South Western Australia. This species is now classified as critically endangered. Western Ringtail Possums, along with other urban wildlife, are most active at night, and you might hear them moving across roofs and gutters.
Snakes
The South West is home to both venomous and nonvenomous snakes. In most cases, snakes will move away before you even notice them and will only attack if they feel threatened or startled.
When walking through bushland or long grass on warm days, be mindful of snakes. It is advisable to wear closed shoes, long socks, and long pants for protection.
Never approach or attempt to handle a snake.
Although snake bites are uncommon, they can happen. If someone is bitten:
- Firmly wrap the entire affected limb with a bandage or similar material, such as a scarf
- Call 000 immediately
- Limit movement as much as possible
- Keep the person calm and reassured
Wildflowers
With the world's most extensive variety of wildflowers right at your doorstep, there's no better reason to get outside and discover the stunning species found throughout the South West.
Please keep these important guidelines in mind:
- Pets are not permitted in National Parks
- Enjoy the beauty, but leave it untouched—picking wildflowers is illegal and may result in a $2,000 fine
- Respect private property and avoid trespassing
- Help protect canola crops by staying out of canola fields
Millipedes
Portuguese millipedes (Ommatoiulus moreleti) are part of a group of creatures known as Myriapoda (meaning "many-legged"), which also includes various native Australian millipedes and centipedes. Typically, millipedes live outdoors, feeding on leaf litter, decaying wood, damp fungi, and plant matter such as tender roots, moss, or green leaves on the ground.
These millipedes breed in autumn and early winter, which explains their noticeable activity and abundance following the first rains.
While millipedes play an important role in decomposing organic material in the soil, Portuguese millipedes become pests when their populations grow too large.
Portuguese millipedes are not harmful to humans or animals, but they are attracted to lights at night, which is why they may invade homes. They do not breed indoors and will die without access to plant matter.
To deter Portuguese millipedes, turn off external lights near buildings and minimise light escaping from indoors by using curtains or blinds.
Unfortunately, applying poison or retardants is not effective in reducing their numbers. The most efficient way to remove them is by vacuuming or sweeping them off carpets and floors.
