From Autumn to Winter: What Mandurah Locals Should Know About Our Wildlife Right Now
- Chloe Willows
- May 8
- 3 min read
As the leaves drop and the chill creeps in, many people assume our native wildlife disappears—but nature doesn’t clock off for the season. The shift from April into May marks a quiet turning point for animals across the Peel region. Things might seem still on the surface, but underneath, there’s plenty going on—sometimes right under your feet. From reptiles retreating into hiding, to frogs beginning their seasonal chorus, here’s what to expect—and what to look out for—as Mandurah eases into winter.
Snakes: Slowing Down, But Still Around
By late autumn, snakes like dugites begin to slow their movements—but they haven’t vanished. You might still spot one basking on a sun-warmed path or slowly making its way toward shelter. These reptiles are entering a state of low activity, conserving energy as the days cool. They're not hunting or aggressive—just trying to stay warm and out of trouble.
Look out for:
• Snakes sunning themselves on bike paths, concrete, or rocks during warm afternoons
• Sheltering snakes in garden beds, wood piles, or corrugated metal—so take care when gardening or tidying
Bobtails & Bluetongues: Prepping for Brumation
You might see these short-legged, slow-moving reptiles soaking up the last of the sun before disappearing for winter. As ectotherms, they enter brumation—a kind of reptilian hibernation—when temperatures drop.
By May, most will have found shelter in leaf litter, under sheds, or in compost heaps.
What to do:
• If you see a sluggish lizard out late in the season, let it be—it’s likely on its way to a safe wintering spot
• Don’t assume a still lizard is dead—they may just be in energy-saving mode
Frogs: The Chorus Begins
The first rains bring a familiar sound back to Mandurah gardens: frogs. Species like the motorbike frog and quacking frog begin their winter breeding season, often heard before they're seen. Their chorus may come from unexpected places—drains, ponds, garden beds—and is a strong sign of a thriving local ecosystem.
Listen for:
• Calls on wet nights or after rain
• Activity in damp gardens, especially after dark
Kangaroos: Staying Active, More Visible
Western grey kangaroos don’t hibernate or migrate, but they do become easier to spot in winter. With the sun lower in the sky and vegetation less dense, you’re more likely to see them grazing in open areas—even during daylight.
Stay safe:
• Drive carefully around bushland at dawn and dusk
• Never feed or approach kangaroos, especially large males—they can become aggressive if they feel threatened
Possums: It’s Roof Season
As nights grow colder, brush-tailed possums often sneak into roof cavities or sheds in search of warmth. While they’re protected native species, their nightly movements can cause headaches for homeowners.
Know the signs:
• Scratching in the ceiling, droppings, strong smells
• Chewed wires or insulation
Solutions:
• Contact a wildlife-friendly pest controller
• Consider nest boxes to offer safe, outdoor alternatives
• Install a possum box
• Never relocate a possum far from where it was found—it’s illegal and dangerous for the animal
6. Insects & Spiders: Still Creeping
Even as insect activity dies down, you might notice redback spiders or huntsmans becoming more visible. They’re not new arrivals—they’re just moving into more sheltered spaces, like garages, under furniture, or in garden tools.
Quick facts:
• Huntsman spiders are harmless and help keep pest insects in check
• Redbacks can pose a risk—take care in high-traffic areas and consider professional removal if needed.
Final Thoughts: Let Nature Rest—But Stay Curious
Winter in Mandurah may seem like a sleepy season, but it’s far from lifeless. Our native animals are adjusting—some retreating, others emerging, all doing what they need to survive.
Whether it’s a frog croaking in a hidden pond or a bobtail tucked beneath the mulch, there’s still so much happening if you know where (and how) to look. Respecting these seasonal rhythms helps us coexist with the creatures that make this place wild—and wonderful.
Seen something surprising in your backyard this season? Leave a comment on our socials or tag us in your wildlife pics —@mandurahwildlife #MandurahWildlifeWatch
