Imagine the scene: a sunny morning in Picton, a suburb southwest of Sydney, where a family's routine is suddenly interrupted by an unexpected and unwelcome visitor. It's a scenario that could easily be the plot of a suspenseful movie, but for one Sydney couple, it was a stark reality. Their daughter's toy room, a place usually filled with the innocent laughter of playtime, became the setting for a chilling discovery—a highly venomous red-bellied black snake had made itself at home among the dolls and toys.


The family's two pet Cavoodles were the first to notice the intruder, their curiosity leading to a commotion that alerted the homeowners to the danger lurking in their midst. Cory Kerewaro, a professional from Reptile Relocation Sydney, recounted the events, explaining how the dogs' reaction tipped off the family to the snake's presence. The couple acted with commendable quickness, securing the room by shutting the door and placing a towel underneath to prevent the snake's escape, and promptly calling for expert assistance.


The image shared by Reptile Relocation Sydney is enough to send shivers down any parent's spine: the snake, with its distinctive red belly, curled up near a pink Barbie pillow, its head buried in the toys as if it were just another plaything. But this was no toy. Within fifteen minutes of the call, Mr Kerewaro was on the scene, employing the 'tailing' method to safely capture the snake. His expertise made the process seem 'pretty straightforward,' but for the family, especially the young daughter, the ordeal was far from simple.


The daughter, understandably, was initially 'petrified' to re-enter her toy room. It's a reaction that any of us might have after such a close encounter with one of Australia's notorious reptiles. Mr Kerewaro, with a decade of experience in snake catching, took the time to educate the family, showing them photos and explaining snake behavior, which helped to alleviate the daughter's fears and restore a sense of safety within the home.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that as we enjoy the beauty and warmth of our Australian climate, we must also be mindful of the wildlife with which we share our environment. Mr Kerewaro notes that snake call-outs increase in September with the start of the snake season and continue in 'waves' through the hotter months, tapering off in April. Red-bellied black snakes are a common reason for these calls, as they seek refuge from the heat in cool places, which sometimes include our homes.

As summer approaches, it's crucial for all Australians to be aware of the potential for such encounters and to know how to respond. The advice from professionals is clear: if you come across a snake, remove pets and children from the area and call a professional. Do not attempt to interact with the snake, as this can lead to injury or worse. And, importantly, be up to date on snake bite first aid. While red-bellied black snakes are considered one of the least dangerous in Australia, with no recorded deaths from their bites, they can still pose significant health risks, especially to children and pets.


The story of the Sydney family's frightful find is a cautionary tale, but it also highlights the importance of education and preparedness. It's a reminder that our homes are part of a larger ecosystem, and that respecting and understanding the creatures within it can help us coexist safely. So, as you tuck your children in at night or watch them play, remember to keep an eye out for the unexpected, and know that help is just a call away should you ever face a similar situation.
We at the Seniors Discount Club invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife in your home? How did you handle it, and what advice would you give to others? Your stories and insights could be invaluable to fellow readers, so please, join the conversation in the comments below.