A family in Kurnell, Sydney, was left startled when a 1.6-metre red-bellied black snake made itself comfortable in their children’s playroom. The snake managed to enter through the back door and took refuge behind a dollhouse and some toys. The homeowner expressed their concern in a video, stating, “I did not want that loose in the house.”
Tyler Gibbons from Shire Snake Wranglers responded to the call for help and was taken aback by the size of the snake, noting it was one of the largest black snakes he had encountered this season, measuring well over 1.6 metres and weighing over 1.25 kg. Fortunately, the snake was safely relocated without incident.
The red-bellied black snake is a venomous species native to Australia, predominantly found in the eastern states. As the breeding season starts in October and runs until April, there is an increased likelihood of snakes being sighted in residential areas. Gibbons advised locals to keep doors closed when possible, especially with the warmer temperatures prompting more snake activity.
This incident serves as a timely reminder of the need for caution during the snake breeding season.