Amazing Wildlife In Your Backyard And Beyond!

You don’t have to travel far into the bush to discover amazing and wonderful creatures. In fact, an entire world of biodiversity exists right outside your window, in the trees above your head, and under the rocks and logs in your garden! Wildlife in your backyard is more diverse than you might think, and learning to identify our scaly, furry, and feathered neighbours is an adventure in itself.

From the shy and secretive to the bold and brazen, here are just a few of the amazing animals you might be sharing your space with, and why they’re so special.

Our Slithering Neighbours: The Snakes of Victoria

Red-Bellied Black Snake

Did you know there are over 30 different types of snakes in Victoria alone?! Beyond the well-known Eastern Brown Snake and Red-Bellied Black Snake, the Tiger Snake, Common Copperhead Snake, and many more also call our beautiful state home. But don’t worry! While they may look scary, if you treat snakes with respect and give them space, they won’t harm you. They’re simply looking for food and a place to warm up, and they play a vital role in keeping our ecosystem in balance by controlling pests.

Isn’t it awesome how snakes can open their jaws so wide? Well, the reason they can do this is because they have an elastic jaw ligament—an amazing stretchy mouth in other words! The Red-Bellied Black Snake loves to relax in the sun, and can have up to 40 baby snakes at once. Crazy, huh?! Next time you’re enjoying the wildlife in your backyard, remember that snakes are just another fascinating part of it.

The Nocturnal Gardeners: Grey-Headed Flying Foxes

Grey-Headed Flying Fox

One of the coolest species in Victoria’s wildlife is definitely the Grey-Headed Flying Fox. This megabat only lives in Australia, can have a wingspan of over 1 metre, and can even see colours in the dark. They love talking to each other and live in large colonies in rainforests, woodlands, and swamps. Keep it secret, but if you’re really lucky, you might even spot them in Yarra Bend Park! These gentle giants are crucial to our environment as they act as key pollinators, traveling long distances to spread the seeds and pollen of native plants.

The Tiny Tenors: Common Froglets

Common Froglet

Do you ever hear a loud “Crick! Crick! Crick! Crick!” sound when you’re out in your back garden? Most people think it’s a cricket, but it could be our friend the Common Froglet calling out. These tiny creatures are smaller than your thumb, and they might be hidden under a rock or log, or even perfectly camouflaged in the leaf litter, so you’ll have to look really carefully to spot them! Their presence is a great indicator of a healthy environment, as they are sensitive to pollutants.

Your Furry Houseguests: Possums and More

Living in a city doesn’t mean you’re far from wildlife. In fact, many of us have resident possums! Ringtail and Brushtail Possums are common visitors to backyards all over Victoria, and you might spot them scurrying along fences or climbing trees at dusk. They might be a bit cheeky, but these native animals are a delightful part of our urban ecosystem. Providing them with a possum box can give them a safe place to sleep, and help keep them away from your roof!

How You Can Help: Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Backyard

Want to attract more wildlife in your backyard? It’s easier than you think!

• Plant Native Species: Native plants provide food and shelter for local animals. A few native flowers or shrubs can be a game-changer for birds, bees, and butterflies.
• Provide Water: A simple bird bath or shallow dish of water can be a lifeline for many animals, especially during hot weather.
• Leave It Be: A pile of logs, a compost heap, or even an undisturbed patch of leaf litter can become a fantastic habitat for small creatures like lizards and froglets.
• Pesticide-Free: Avoid using harmful chemicals in your garden, as they can hurt our little friends and disrupt the natural food chain.

Learn More With Reptile Encounters!

One of the safest, easiest, and most entertaining ways to get to know Victoria’s incredible wildlife is through our fun-filled wildlife shows. Our brilliant Animal Kids Parties are suitable for children of all ages, and every single one of them will have a chance to touch and hold some of the wildlife. And, why not even create your own reptile-themed birthday cake? Everyone will love it!