RED-BELLIED BLACK SNAKE

Red-bellied Black Snakes are found in the eastern and south-eastern parts of Australia. They have a relatively wide distribution, occurring in various habitats across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

These snakes inhabit a range of environments, including woodlands, forests, swamps, wetlands, and coastal areas. They can be found near water sources such as rivers, creeks, and dams, and are also known to enter suburban areas.

Red-bellied Black Snakes are medium-sized snakes that typically grow between 1.5 to 2 meters in length. They have a shiny black coloration on their dorsal side, while their belly is usually red or pink, giving them their common name. Juveniles have a pattern of distinct bands on their body, which gradually fade as they mature.

The venom of the Red-bellied Black Snake is potent but less toxic compared to some other venomous snakes in Australia, such as the Eastern Brown Snake or the Inland Taipan. However, bites from these snakes can still cause significant harm and should be treated as a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten.

Red-bellied Black Snakes are generally shy and non-aggressive. They prefer to escape from potential threats rather than confront them. When threatened, they may flatten their bodies, raise their heads, and display their red bellies as a warning. They are excellent swimmers and are known to enter water bodies to hunt or escape danger.

These snakes are primarily carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including frogs, reptiles, small mammals, and occasionally birds. They are skilled predators and use their venom to immobilize and digest their prey.

Like many native Australian species, it faces threats such as habitat loss, road mortality, and persecution. It is important to respect and conserve their natural habitats for their long-term survival.

Remember, interacting with wild snakes, including the Red-bellied Black Snake, can be dangerous. If you encounter a snake in the wild, it is best to observe it from a safe distance and allow it to move away on its own.