Canberra commuters warned over snake on a train

Commuters on Canberra's light rail system have been cautioned to watch out for slippery passengers after a snake was spotted on the tracks this afternoon.

Slithering across the pavement at Canberra Metro Operations' Exhibition Park stop, the snake failed to heed warnings to stay behind the yellow line.

"It's definitely spring time … spotted today at our EPIC stop, this wannabe-commuter is one to watch out for! After a few minutes this guy realised he forgot his MyWay card and left the area," Canberra Metro Operations told followers on social media.

"Please be aware when travelling around the Light Rail, that snakes may be around."

It's unknown what the species of snake was on the tracks, with the Eastern Brown Snake the most commonly seen species in the area.

Light rail operators encouraged users to leave snakes alone, and if confronted with one, not to "think of it as a showdown".

"Eight species of snakes are known to inhabit the ACT, with five regarded as potentially dangerous to humans," advises the ACT's environmental department.

"However, while all snakes in the ACT are venomous, except the blind snake, they are shy, nonaggressive creatures that will quickly retreat if not provoked."

Canberra's light rail system, known as the "metro", is a 12km route through the city that intends to operate every six minutes during peak periods.

Construction of the service is ongoing.