Image: Red-bellied black snakes via Repitle Relocation Sydney Facebook
Over 100 venomous red-bellied black snakes were found in a backyard in Sydney’s west, marking what snake catchers have called their largest discovery to date.
Homeowners in Horsley Park had become concerned after noticing snakes disappearing into a mulch pile on their property over the past two weeks.
Cory Kerewaro, owner of Reptile Relocation Sydney, said his team was called to the property last Friday after the family dog was bitten.
Kerewaro explained that his colleague, Dylan, initially expected to find and remove four red-bellied black snakes, but was surprised to uncover more than 40.
“We were called to remove some red-bellied black snakes sighted on a mulch pile in the backyard of a property in Horsley Park,” Reptile Relocation Sydney posted on Facebook.
“Over the last two weeks, the homeowners had sighted a couple of redbellies disappearing into and out of the mulch pile, and at this time of year, it can be common for some females to congregate and share the same birthing site,” they wrote.
“Dylan was the man for the job and got straight to work going through the mulch. Within a few minutes, we knew this was going to be unusual. Snake after snake, they just kept being uncovered,” the reptile relocation service wrote.
About the red-bellied black snake
Red-bellied black snakes are native to eastern Australia. They are commonly found in woodlands, forests, and near waterways and swamps.
According to the Australian Museum, red-bellied black snakes are usually associated with moist habitats, like streams, swamps and lagoons. They are also known to inhabit disturbed areas and rural properties, and are often encountered around drainage canals and farm dams.
The snakes shelter in thick grass clumps, logs, mammal burrows and dreys, and under large rocks.
Reptile Relocation Sydney shared a video showing the red-bellied black snakes, all crawling on top of one another. The video has since amassed more than a million views on Facebook.
Ninety-seven of the red-bellied black snakes were newborns, with five adults.
Despite the number of bites reported each year, very few result in human fatalities.
However, if you encounter a snake, it’s recommended to contact a professional snake catcher for safe removal.
You May Also Like
