In a surprising turn of events, Australian reptile handlers were called to a backyard in Sydney to rescue what turned out to be a record number of venomous snakes. Cory Kerewaro, a professional snake handler, initially received a call to rescue “a bunch” of reptiles after one was reported to have bitten a dog on the property. However, what his colleague discovered was far beyond their expectations.
Upon arrival, the handler found 40 red-bellied black snakes, a common venomous species in Australia. To their astonishment, four of these snakes gave birth to more live young once placed in a removal bag, bringing the total count to 102 snakes. This included five adult and 97 baby red-bellied black snakes, all of which are currently under quarantine and will be released into a national park once the weather cools.
Red-bellied black snakes, although venomous, have not caused any human deaths on record. They are known to be shy and bites, though uncommon, can cause swelling, nausea, and diarrhea. Female red-bellied black snakes often gather in small groups when they are ready to give birth, possibly to protect against predators. Interestingly, they are the only snake of their genus to give live birth, according to the Australian Museum.
Mr. Kerewaro mentioned that this was a record haul for their team, who typically catch between five and 15 reptiles per day. He recalled his colleague Dylan Cooper calling him within 15 minutes of arrival, saying, “Mate, I’m going to be here a while. It’s a pretty big pile… I’m already over 15 snakes!” Initially, Mr. Kerewaro thought his colleague was joking.
The incident, which occurred on Boxing Day, ended with the dog being “alive and well.” Due to the large number of snakes found, the handlers have been given special permission to release them into a national park, away from human interactions, rather than close to where they were found as typically required by law.
This extraordinary event highlights the unexpected challenges faced by reptile handlers and the fascinating behaviors of red-bellied black snakes. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of professional snake handlers in managing and relocating these creatures safely.
Read More: More than 100 red-bellied black snakes found in Sydney backyard
