Reptile handlers in Sydney made headlines after discovering 102 venomous snakes, including 97 baby red-bellied black snakes, during a removal operation triggered by a dog bite incident. The reptiles are now under quarantine and will soon be relocated to a national park.
Unexpected Encounter: Over 100 Snakes Discovered in Sydney Backyard
Unexpected Encounter: Over 100 Snakes Discovered in Sydney Backyard
A shocking reptile rescue operation reveals a record number of venomous snakes hidden in a suburban yard, leading to an unusual community response.
In what can only be described as an astonishing wildlife encounter, a team of reptile handlers successfully rescued 102 venomous snakes from a mulch pile in a Sydney backyard. The incident unfolded after a dog was reported to have been bitten by one of the reptiles, prompting Cory Kerewaro from Reptile Relocation Sydney to investigate further.
Initially arriving to collect "a bunch" of snakes, Kerewaro's colleague was taken aback by the sheer number of reptiles present. Over 40 red-bellied black snakes were discovered, and surprisingly, four were found to have recently given birth, resulting in 97 baby snakes. This species, while venomous, is relatively common in Australia and has not been linked to any human fatalities.
Currently quarantined, the five adult red-bellied black snakes and their young family are expected to be released into a more suitable environment, away from urban settings, when the weather cools. Kerewaro noted that this haul was unprecedented for the team, accustomed to handling between five and 15 snakes each day. “Mate, I’m going to be here a while. It’s a pretty big pile... I’m already over 15 snakes!” was the call that took Kerewaro by surprise.
It was confirmed that the dog involved in the incident was “alive and well.” Particularly interesting is the behavior of female red-bellied black snakes, which tend to gather in small groups when they are ready to give birth — a defensive tactic against predators. As the only snakes of their type to give live birth, these creatures exhibit fascinating reproductive habits.
Although red-bellied black snakes are generally shy, their bites, though infrequent, can lead to adverse reactions including swelling and nausea. Legal requirements dictate that snake catchers release the animals back into their original habitats, but due to the large number involved, these snakes will be carefully relocated to a national park away from human interaction, ensuring both their safety and that of local residents.
