A large Red-bellied Black Snake was found moving through a residential garden in the Chatswood area. The residents kept away from the animal and gave Harley the last reliable position, allowing him to search the relevant garden zone rather than disturbing every possible shelter point.
A venomous snake among ordinary garden cover
Garden beds, groundcover, retaining edges and stored outdoor items can conceal a snake quickly. Harley assessed the available routes and located the animal before beginning the capture. He used controlled professional handling to protect the residents, the snake and nearby pets.
Do not approach to look for the red belly
Red-bellied Black Snakes are venomous and should never be approached, picked up or disturbed by an untrained person. A dark upper body does not confirm the species, and moving closer to look for underside colour creates needless risk. Treat any unidentified snake cautiously until an experienced handler can assess it.
Useful information for a Chatswood call-out
- Say whether the snake is still visible and how long ago it was last seen.
- Describe nearby garden beds, drains, walls, sheds or deck spaces.
- Keep dogs and children inside and avoid walking through the area.
For a snake in a Chatswood garden, courtyard, garage or home, call Harley on 0411 103 488. If anyone may have been bitten, call Triple Zero (000) immediately, keep the person still and follow emergency instructions.