In a remarkable rescue operation, more than 100 venomous red-bellied black snakes were discovered in a Sydney backyard, astonishing wildlife handlers. Cory Kerewaro, from Reptile Relocation Sydney, was called to the scene after a snake reportedly bit a dog on the property. Upon arrival, his colleague uncovered a staggering 40 snakes, with four of them giving birth to live young while being gathered for removal.
The 102 snakes, which comprised five adults and 97 hatchlings, now remain under quarantine, awaiting release into a national park as weather conditions improve. Kerewaro noted that this marked a record for their snake-catching team, which typically rescues between five and 15 snakes per day. He shared a humorous moment when his colleague, Dylan Cooper, immediately contacted him upon arriving, stating the unexpected size of the pile: "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 initial incident is “alive and well,” following what happened on Boxing Day. Female red-bellied black snakes are known to gather when ready to give birth, likely as a protective measure against predators. According to the Australian Museum, these snakes are the only ones in their genus that give live birth. Although shy, bites from this species can lead to symptoms like swelling, nausea, and diarrhea.
Under Australian law, snake catchers are required to release captured reptiles close to their original location. However, due to the significant number of snakes involved, authorities have made an exception, allowing for their release further into the national park to minimize interactions with humans.
