In a jaw-dropping discovery that has left even experienced snake handlers amazed, a Sydney man found an astonishing 102 venomous red-bellied black snakes congregating in a single spot in his backyard garden this week. The sheer quantity of these deadly reptiles in one urban location is believed to set a new state and possibly national record.
David Stein of Horsley Park, a suburb in the city’s west, initially spotted what he thought were around six red-bellied black snakes on a large mulch pile on his property last Friday. Stunned and shaking at the sight, he immediately called in professional snake catchers to relocate the venomous serpents.
I was totally amazed, I just couldn’t believe it. I was shivering and shaking at the time I saw them.
– David Stein, Horsley Park resident
Snake Catchers Uncover ‘Baby After Baby’ in Mulch
When Reptile Relocation Sydney snake catcher Dylan Cooper arrived on site, he began searching the mulch pile, initially finding five adult red-bellies, with four of the females carrying eggs internally. But as he dug deeper into the mulch, Cooper made a startling discovery.
“He was just uncovering baby after baby after baby,” exclaimed Cory Kerewaro, owner of Reptile Relocation Sydney. “It was just totally amazing.” With the help of Stein’s son, the trio went on to find an incredible 40, then 70, then 90 baby snakes in total, with the original four pregnant females giving birth during the relocation process itself.
Final Tally: 102 Venomous Snakes, A Shock Record
When all was said and done, the snake catchers had bagged a mind-blowing total of 102 red-bellied black snakes – five adult females and 97 newborn babies. While it’s common for these species to share birthing sites, experts say finding this many venomous snakes in one spot in a populated suburb is exceedingly rare, especially with babies being born on site.
The quantity is a shock. We do have red-belly snakes in the backyard – you’ll see one slither away into the creek – but not a great deal.
– David Stein
Venomous But Generally Placid Snakes
Red-bellied black snakes are native to Australia’s east coast. While their venom can be deadly, especially to children and small pets due to the snakes’ size, they are generally considered to be a placid, shy species that only bites under severe provocation. Bites can cause bleeding, swelling, nausea, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sweating, and muscle weakness.
Snakes Safely Relocated to the Wild
By law, the snakes had to be relocated to a natural habitat within 1.2 miles of where they were captured. A remote bushland area was selected by national parks, where all 102 reptiles have now been safely released by the snake catchers. For David Stein, whose dog was bitten by a baby red-belly in his yard in December, it’s a relief to have them gone.
They’ll be released into the wild in a safe environment and preserved. It’s a highlight – we’re contributing to helping people understand these animals.
– Cory Kerewaro, Reptile Relocation Sydney
This case sets a new snake-catching record for Kerewaro’s company, and potentially for the entire state of New South Wales. The data is now being examined by researchers to better understand the congregating and birthing behaviors of red-bellied black snakes in urban environments. And for one stunned Sydney family, it’s an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter right in their own backyard.
