About Chris Williams – Urban Reptile Removal
Widely regarded as a leading authority on urban reptiles, Chris specialises in the snakes, lizards, geckos and turtles that now live alongside us in Australia’s largest city. His work focuses on how ongoing urban development creates both “winners” and “losers” among native wildlife, and how people can safely coexist with the reptiles increasingly appearing in backyards, schools, workplaces, parks and construction sites across Sydney.
When Sydneysiders search for a snake catcher near me, licensed snake catcher, or snake removal Sydney, they are looking for genuine experience and calm professionalism. That is exactly what Urban Reptile Removal provides.
A Career Built on Reptile Expertise
Chris began working professionally with reptiles in 1990 as a reptile-handling instructor for WIRES, training wildlife rescuers in the safe capture and relocation of snakes and other reptiles.
In 1991, he joined the reptile department at Taronga Zoo, where he worked with highly venomous species including cobras, rattlesnakes and Australian elapids, while also contributing to conservation programs involving endangered reptiles.
Chris later worked with the Australian Reptile Park and Reptiles Alive!, delivering reptile education programs throughout New South Wales and helping thousands of people better understand the reptiles living in both suburban and rural Australia.
Since 2014, Chris has served as President of the Australian Herpetological Society, Australia’s oldest continually operating herpetological society. Through this role he has remained heavily involved in reptile education, conservation discussions and community engagement.
Chris also founded Snake Ranch, which grew to become one of Australia’s largest reptile breeding facilities, housing more than 3,500 reptiles with a dedicated team of staff.
Sydney’s Most Experienced Urban Reptile Specialist
For more than 35 years, Chris Williams has been one of Sydney’s most experienced and trusted reptile specialists.
As the founder of Urban Reptile Removal, Chris provides fast, safe and professional snake removal services across Sydney, backed by decades of hands-on field experience, public education and industry leadership.
Sydney’s Urban Reptile Expert
Chris has written and co-authored several major reptile books, further strengthening his reputation as one of Australia’s leading urban reptile specialists.
Key Herpetology Titles
The Snake Ranch Guide to Reptile Care (2014)
A Tribute to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia and New Zealand (2019) — with Chelsea Maier
Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea (2022)
Urban and Regional Reptile Guides
These publications helped establish Chris as one of Sydney’s leading authorities on reptiles in urban environments:
Urban Reptiles (2024) — a detailed look at which reptile species thrive and which struggle as Sydney continues to expand.
Reptiles of the Red Centre (2025) — exploring the reptile fauna of Central Australia.
Reptiles of the Greater Sydney Region (2026) — co-authored with Tim Faulkner, providing a modern field guide to the reptiles of Sydney’s bushland, coastal regions and suburban environments.
These books reinforce the depth of expertise behind Urban Reptile Removal and explain why so many Sydney residents, schools, businesses and councils rely on Chris for practical advice and professional snake relocation.
Why Sydney Chooses Urban Reptile Removal
Urban Reptile Removal is built on genuine field experience, scientific understanding and professional reptile handling.
Chris offers:
More than 35 years of hands-on reptile experience
Fully licensed and insured snake removal services
Fast Sydney-wide response times
Expert identification of venomous and non-venomous snakes
Practical advice on reducing snake activity around homes and businesses
Snake awareness and safety education for schools, councils and workplaces
Safe and humane reptile relocation
Every snake call-out is backed by decades of experience working with Australia’s most dangerous snakes in both captive and wild situations.
Trusted by Sydney Homes, Schools and Businesses
Urban Reptile Removal works across a wide range of environments, including:
Residential homes
Construction and demolition sites
Real estate agencies
Government properties
Schools and childcare centres
Commercial and industrial premises
Parks and sporting facilities
From Eastern Brown Snake and Red-bellied Black Snake to Diamond Python and Golden-crowned Snake, Chris has safely relocated thousands of reptiles throughout Greater Sydney.
What To Do If You Find a Snake in Your Yard
If you encounter a snake at your home or workplace, the most important thing is to remain calm and avoid trying to catch or kill it yourself.
Stay Calm
Most snakes are defensive rather than aggressive and would prefer to avoid people altogether.
Keep Children and Pets Away
Maintain a safe distance and prevent anyone from approaching the snake.
Watch the Snake From a Safe Distance
If possible, keep visual contact with the snake without disturbing it. This greatly improves the chances of a quick and successful relocation once the snake catcher arrives.
Call a Professional Snake Catcher
Contact Urban Reptile Removal for fast, safe and professional snake removal anywhere across Sydney.
Please note that call-out fees apply regardless of whether the snake is ultimately captured, as attendance, inspection and professional assessment are still provided.
Snakebite First Aid
In the unlikely event of a snakebite:
Call 000 immediately
Keep the patient calm and still
Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage firmly over the bite site and entire limb
Do not wash the bite site
Mark the bite location on the outside of the bandage
Wait for ambulance assistance
Most snake bites in Australia occur when people attempt to catch, harm or kill snakes themselves. The safest option is always to leave snake handling to trained professionals.
Professional Snake Removal Across Sydney
Sydney’s northern suburbs, bushland corridors and expanding residential areas are home to a remarkable diversity of native reptiles. While encountering a snake can be confronting, these animals are an important part of the local ecosystem and are protected under Australian law.
Urban Reptile Removal combines practical field experience, scientific knowledge and public education to help people safely coexist with native wildlife.
If you need a professional snake catcher in Sydney, contact Urban Reptile Removal for fast, experienced and reliable service from one of Australia’s most respected urban reptile specialists.
C