In an astonishing discovery, wildlife handlers from Reptile Relocation Sydney have rescued 102 venomous snakes from a mulch pile in the backyard of a home in Sydney. The operation was prompted by reports of a snake bite incident involving a dog. Initially responding to what they believed to be a minor reptile encounter, handlers were taken aback when they unearthed 40 red-bellied black snakes, four of which had recently given birth.
Red-bellied black snakes are one of Australia’s most prevalent venomous species, known for their distinct coloration and generally non-aggressive behavior. Thankfully, despite the anxiety over the snake bite, the dog involved has since recovered without serious injury.
Cory Kerewaro, an experienced handler, described the event as unprecedented for their team, typically encountering only five to 15 snakes on any given day. "I thought he was stitching me up," Kerewaro reflected on his colleague's frantic communication amidst the rescue, highlighting the sheer number of snakes unearthed.
The fascinating behavior of these snakes was evident as female red-bellied black snakes tend to congregate when ready to give birth, a protective strategy against potential predators. Unique among their genus, these snakes give live birth rather than laying eggs.
Currently, the five adult and 97 young snakes are under quarantine, with plans for their safe release into a national park once temperatures drop, minimizing the risk of interaction with humans. According to Kerewaro, this situation emphasizes not only the importance of wildlife preservation but also the need for awareness regarding the interactions between urban lifestyles and native species.
Red-bellied black snakes are one of Australia’s most prevalent venomous species, known for their distinct coloration and generally non-aggressive behavior. Thankfully, despite the anxiety over the snake bite, the dog involved has since recovered without serious injury.
Cory Kerewaro, an experienced handler, described the event as unprecedented for their team, typically encountering only five to 15 snakes on any given day. "I thought he was stitching me up," Kerewaro reflected on his colleague's frantic communication amidst the rescue, highlighting the sheer number of snakes unearthed.
The fascinating behavior of these snakes was evident as female red-bellied black snakes tend to congregate when ready to give birth, a protective strategy against potential predators. Unique among their genus, these snakes give live birth rather than laying eggs.
Currently, the five adult and 97 young snakes are under quarantine, with plans for their safe release into a national park once temperatures drop, minimizing the risk of interaction with humans. According to Kerewaro, this situation emphasizes not only the importance of wildlife preservation but also the need for awareness regarding the interactions between urban lifestyles and native species.
