Brachyurophis approximans, also known as the north-western shovel-nosed snake, is a species of mildly venomous burrowing snake that is endemic to Australia.

The specific epithet approximans ("approaching") alludes to its similarity to Brachyurophis campbelli.

[3] The species grows to about 30 cm in length.

[3] The species occurs in the arid Pilbara and adjacent areas of north-west Western Australia, in stony soils vegetated with Acacia.

[4] The type locality is Muccan Station in the Pilbara.