Cranky red bellied black snake caught and rescued from a Schofields property

A RED bellied black snake found in Schofields yesterday proved that the snake season is not over yet in Sydney, with experts warning that the unseasonal weather is keeping these reptiles active.

The baby red bellied black snake found in Schofields on April 18. Picture: Australian Snake Catchers

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A RED bellied black snake, found in Schofields yesterday, proved that the snake season is not over yet in Sydney, with experts warning that the unseasonal weather is keeping these reptiles active.

Australian Snake Catchers owner Sean Cade said they have captured more than 200 snakes this season, a 25 per cent rise compared to last year, pointing out that urban development and more awareness of the work ASC do, could be the contributing factors to the increase.

Workers at brick yard display hall in Schofields found a 30cm red bellied black snake yesterday and promptly covered it with a waste paper bin, and also placed two bricks over it.

Sean Cade with a python. Picture: Justin Sanson

After being contacted, Mr Cade found that while the snake was being enclosed, it was injured with the bucket — weighed down by the bricks — lying on a part of its body.

“From my experience I knew that he would be upset when released because he was hurt and felt threatened,” Mr Cade told the Rouse Hill Times.

“So I lifted the bucket and gave it a chance to do what it can do.

“When I saw he had been injured, I knew he wouldn’t be happy.

The red bellied black snake found in Schofields on April 18. Picture: Australian Snake Catchers

“He then bit the jacket (which was placed on the ground) and had about three drops of venom.

“He was a baby snake, about a month old but the thing about venom is that it does not matter which size the snake is, venom is venom and it all depends on the volume.”

Adult red bellied black snakes can grow to a length of nearly two metres.

Mr Cade, who runs St Clair-based ASC with his wife Freya, said the snake has been since accessed by a vet.

“We are keeping an eye on it but it can move,” said Mr Cade, a former volunteer with rescue group, WIRES.

“All snakes are defensive and not aggressive and one of the main reasons we are seeing more of them now is because there is so much urban development taking place and displacing these reptiles.

Sean and Freya Cade with an olive python: Picture: Justin Sanson

“Snakes tend to return to their former habitat once the development is completed.

‘We try and inform the public through our Facebook page as there is a lot of fear about snakes and if we can equip them with education, it will sort of dilute this fear to a lesser degree.”

His 15-year-old son Liam is set to follow in his footsteps thanks to his extensive knowledge of snakes and reptiles, with is dad saying he is “very proficient in determining when and how to pick snakes.

A an adult red bellied black snake. Picture: Australian Snake Catchers

Mr Cade said residents should be watchful for the red bellied black snakes in Rouse Hill, Quakers Hill and other western Sydney suburbs including Luddenham, Horsley Park, Erskine Park, Werrington, Harrington Park, Warragamba, Silverdale, St Clair, Claremont Meadows, Cambridge Gardens, Smeaton Grange, Highlands Copperhead, Leura and Lithgow.

He said eastern brown snakes have been spotted in Erskine Park, Claremont Meadows and Cambridge Gardens.

Quakers Hill and Westmead could also see the eastern blue tongue lizard.

Details: 0410 761 575.

IF YOU SEE A SNAKE:

1. Stay calm

2. Keep pets and kids away

3. Call a professional

4. If possible, keep an eye on where the snake goes

5. Do not attempt to touch, capture or harm the snake. Snakes are protected and cannot be killed or taken from the wild.

IF YOU ARE BITTEN:

1. Stay as calm and still as possible (movement will cause venom to spread quickly)

2. Call 000 (do not try to catch the snake)