A record-breaking number of venomous red-bellied black snakes were removed from a property in Sydney, Australia, in what experts described as an exceptionally rare event. The incident occurred when David Stein contacted Reptile Relocation Sydney after observing multiple snakes slithering into a leaf pile on his property in Horsley Park, a suburb in western Sydney. Upon arrival, snake catcher Dylan Cooper discovered a total of 102 snakes, consisting of gravid females and newborns. According to reptile expert Scott Eipper, the aggregation of gravid red-bellied black snakes may have been influenced by environmental conditions, such as extreme heat or limited suitable birthing locations.

The unexpected discovery of such a large congregation of venomous snakes has raised concerns regarding human safety and ecological patterns. Cory Kerewaro, the owner of Reptile Relocation Sydney, noted that two of the captured females gave birth while being contained, further increasing the tally. The event is considered unprecedented, surpassing previous records for snake removals in urban areas. Government authorities have since approved the release of the reptiles into a national park, ensuring their relocation to a remote environment where they will not pose a threat to the local community. Experts emphasized the importance of removing large leaf piles, as these can serve as ideal habitats for snakes. Additionally, recent cases of red-bellied black snakes appearing in residential areas suggest that shifting climate patterns and habitat loss may be influencing snake behavior in urban settings.