A regular afternoon. Nothing out of the ordinary—until David Stein, a Sydney homeowner, spotted a snake in his backyard. Not too unusual. Then he saw another. And another. Before long, the number climbed higher than anyone expected.
By the time Reptile Relocation Sydney was finished, they had removed 102 snakes from the yard.
Why So Many Snakes in One Place?
It wasn’t a coincidence. Experts say red-bellied black snakes look for warm, sheltered places to give birth. A mulch pile? Perfect spot. Holds heat. Stays damp. Safe from predators.
But this wasn’t just one snake family. More than likely, multiple females used the same location. Not something you see every day.
How Dangerous Are Red-Bellied Black Snakes?
They’re venomous. But not the worst.
A bite isn’t fatal—at least, not usually. The venom causes swelling, nausea, and muscle damage, but deaths are rare. Most of the time, these snakes avoid confrontation.
That said, no one wants 102 of them in their backyard.
What Happened to the Snakes?
Every single one was carefully relocated to a national park. Safer for them, safer for people.
As for Stein? He’s making some changes. No more mulch piles near the house.
How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard
A few simple steps can reduce the risk:
• Remove thick mulch, wood piles, or dense vegetation. Snakes love these spots.
• Seal gaps under patios, sheds, and fences. No hiding spots = fewer snakes.
• Keep the lawn trimmed. Shorter grass, fewer surprises.
• Eliminate standing water. Snakes follow prey—like frogs and rodents.
And if you see more than one? Call a professional.
Australia Being Australia
Big spiders. Crocodiles. Jellyfish. And now, 102 snakes in a backyard.
It’s part of life here. But even for Australia, this one’s a bit extreme.
