In a startling incident in Sydney, reptile handlers reported rescuing over 100 venomous snakes from the mulch pile of a residential backyard. The operation was initially prompted when a red-bellied black snake bit a dog, leading Reptile Relocation Sydney to respond to what was anticipated to be a minor rescue. Contrary to expectations, Cory Kerewaro, the owner of the firm, revealed that upon arrival, his colleague encountered an overwhelming presence of snakes, discovering 40 red-bellied black snakes, four of which had already given birth to live young.
The final tally was staggering: five adult red-bellied black snakes and 97 baby snakes, marking one of the largest hauls the team has ever experienced. Typically, the catchers handle between five to 15 reptiles in a day, making this incident extraordinarily unusual. Upon discovering the sizable number, Kerewaro received a call from his colleague Dylan Cooper within 15 minutes, expressing disbelief at the sheer scale of the pile.
Fortunately, the dog injured during this rare encounter was reported "alive and well." Interestingly, red-bellied black snakes are regarded as some of Australia's most common venomous species. However, they have not been linked to any human fatalities. These snakes, often misunderstood, tend to be shy creatures, and although bites can occur, they typically result in mild symptoms like swelling and nausea.
Due to legal regulations, snake catchers are mandated to release captured snakes in close proximity to where they were found. However, given the unusual circumstances and the extreme quantity of snakes, authorities granted permission for their relocation to a national park, minimizing risks of human encounters. Female red-bellied black snakes are known to congregate when about to give birth, a behavior likely developed as a protective strategy against predators, according to experts from the Australian Museum.
