Sydney red death adder found in Holsworthy
A southwest Sydney snake catcher was recently called out to Holsworthy after a Sydney red death adder was sighted near a residential area.
Liverpool
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A SOUTHWEST Sydney snake catcher is urging people not to approach snakes as the warmer weather sees more of the reptiles emerging from their winter inactivity.
Cory Kerewaro from Reptile Relocation Sydney said residents should call a licenced, professional snake catcher if they see snakes on their properties.
Mr Kerewaro, 28, was recently called out to Holsworthy after a Sydney red death adder was sighted near a residential area.
The 84cm-long female — whose size is on the maximum end of the spectrum for death adders — was safely caught and released into bushland.
The species is a venomous ambush predator known for burrowing under ground cover before striking its prey.
“They’re pretty common, they’re just not seen often,” Mr Kerewaro said.
Before the invention of antivenom, the mortality rate for death adder bites was 50 per cent.
Mr Kerewaro said he was starting to receive more calls as the weather warmed up and snakes emerged in search of a mate and food.
“You get a lot of sightings especially around now in Holsworthy, Liverpool, Chipping Norton, Campbelltown,” he said.
The Campbelltown resident expects this season to be just as busy as last year.
Mr Kerewaro warned people not to approach or attempt to catch a snake if they saw one on their property, saying about 90 per cent of bites were a result of people trying to catch or kill the reptiles.
“They don’t want anything to do with people. They’re pretty shy.”
He said it was important for residents to call a licenced snake catcher to ensure they are covered by insurance if an accident occurred.
See reptilerelocationsydney.com.au or call 0455 570 000 for details.