Native and marine wildlife

We’re lucky enough to share our City with a wide variety of native animals. Wildlife in the City’s parks, reserves and beaches is highly diverse and includes numerous birds, reptiles, frogs, marine life and marsupial species.

The City predominantly deals with issues relating to domestic animals. However, for more information and advice on issues relating to our native and marine wildlife, please visit the Wildcare website.

Magpie swooping season

Learning to live alongside wildlife is an important step towards building a better living environment.

The City would like to remind the community to take extra care when outdoors during magpie nesting season from August to November. Please be aware magpies may swoop to protect their young during this time.

Magpies usually swoop from above and fly low and fast over a person, often snapping their beaks as they pass overhead. However, instances where magpies swoop from below or ground level have also been reported.

Magpies are a protected native species in Australia and removing their nest is illegal and may cause nestlings to starve or freeze to death or result in the breakdown of the magpie tribe.   

For more information, click here.

To report a swooping incident within the City of Stirling, phone (08) 9205 8555.

Magpie

The following tips will help you stay safe and reduce the impact of a swooping magpie

  • Look out for any caution signage placed in our parks and reserves, stay clear of nesting sites and plan alternative routes
  • Do not provoke magpies as they swoop to protect their young
  • Wear sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat (especially kids) or carry an umbrella
  • Travel in groups if possible as the birds often target individuals
  • If you are riding a bike, dismount and walk through nesting magpie territory
  • If you are swooped by a magpie, stay calm, walk away but do not run, and avoid looking towards the swooping birds.

Did you know?

Feeding our native animals is prohibited as it can damage their health and severely impact on their quality of life. This includes feeding bread to ducks in our parks and reserves.

Snake awareness

With the weather heating up, snakes (Moyoop) and reptiles are coming out to bask in the sun. As they become more active, it's not uncommon to spot them in our natural areas, and occasionally in public areas close by. Snakes retreat from people and animals and will only become defensive if threatened.

If you spot a snake

  • Back away to a safe distance (at least 5 metres) where the animal won’t feel threatened
  • If on a City reserve and during office hours, call the City on (08) 9205 8555 and ask to speak to the Natural Areas Conservation team to catch and relocate the snake
  • If after hours and/or on private property, call the Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055.

Learn more about snake bite first aid here.