Reptile handlers were astounded to uncover a total of 102 red-bellied black snakes, including both adults and neonates, all stemming from a recent canine incident.
A Record Rescue: 102 Venomous Snakes Discovered in Sydney Backyard
A Record Rescue: 102 Venomous Snakes Discovered in Sydney Backyard
A shocking find in Sydney leads to an unprecedented rescue of venomous snakes, highlighting unusual animal behavior.
In a remarkable discovery, reptile handlers in Sydney were called to a property after a dog was bitten by a snake, leading to the astonishing rescue of 102 venomous snakes. Cory Kerewaro, of Reptile Relocation Sydney, recounted being informed of “a bunch” of reptiles and anticipated a typical callout. However, upon the arrival of his colleague, the situation turned out to be far more extensive than expected—40 red-bellied black snakes were found nested within a mulch pile, including five adults and an incredible 97 babies, with four of the mothers giving birth during the removal process.
The red-bellied black snake is one of Australia's most prevalent venomous species but is typically not lethal to humans. Despite their intimidating nature, there have been no recorded deaths caused by this species. These snakes are currently in quarantine after their rescue, and handlers plan to release them into a national park when temperatures cool, which will provide a safer habitat away from human interactions.
Referring to the strange occurrence, Kerewaro shared how his colleague, Dylan Cooper, informed him within minutes of the surprising number of snakes, saying, "Mate, I'm going to be here a while. It's a pretty big pile... I'm already over 15 snakes!" Fortunately, the dog involved in the incident has fully recovered.
Male and female red-bellied black snakes gather in small groups during birthing periods to minimize predation risks according to the Australian Museum. As the only snakes of their genus that bear live young, this behavior sheds light on their reproductive strategies. Although bites from these snakes are infrequent, the consequences can include swelling, nausea, and diarrhea. Due to the significant number of snakes rescued, catchers have been granted special permission to release them safely in a less populated area, ensuring their conservation while minimizing public safety risks.
The red-bellied black snake is one of Australia's most prevalent venomous species but is typically not lethal to humans. Despite their intimidating nature, there have been no recorded deaths caused by this species. These snakes are currently in quarantine after their rescue, and handlers plan to release them into a national park when temperatures cool, which will provide a safer habitat away from human interactions.
Referring to the strange occurrence, Kerewaro shared how his colleague, Dylan Cooper, informed him within minutes of the surprising number of snakes, saying, "Mate, I'm going to be here a while. It's a pretty big pile... I'm already over 15 snakes!" Fortunately, the dog involved in the incident has fully recovered.
Male and female red-bellied black snakes gather in small groups during birthing periods to minimize predation risks according to the Australian Museum. As the only snakes of their genus that bear live young, this behavior sheds light on their reproductive strategies. Although bites from these snakes are infrequent, the consequences can include swelling, nausea, and diarrhea. Due to the significant number of snakes rescued, catchers have been granted special permission to release them safely in a less populated area, ensuring their conservation while minimizing public safety risks.
