Red Bellied Black Snake: FAQ After An Encounter.

Encountering a Red-Bellied Black Snake:

Introduction:

Finding a Red-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) in your home or yard can be a distressing experience. From our experience, it’s normally dogs who are bitten by Red Bellies far more often than humans and unfortunately, in most cases, the dogs don’t make it. Even with swift veterinary treatment.

While these snakes are known to be potentially dangerous due to their venom, it's essential to understand that such encounters are often transient, as in most cases, they are simply passing through and have not established a permanent presence. It’s the ever alert family dog who seems to be aware of the snake much more often than humans do.

 Understanding the Red-Bellied Black Snake: A Quick Overview

1. Red-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)

• Highly Venomous

• Description: Glossy black on top with distinctive red sides.

• Length: Approximately 1.5 meters

• Diet: Predominantly feeds on frogs, lizards, mammals, eels, fish, and other snakes.

• Reproduction: Males engage in combat during the breeding season, vying for the opportunity to mate with a nearby female between October and November. Females give birth to 5 to 18 young, born within a membranous sac, which they typically break free from soon after. The young resemble their parents and measure about 30 cm.

• Notes: Diurnal and often encountered in various regions. Easily identifiable due to their consistent appearance. Typically found near water during the day while searching for prey. Red-Bellied Black Snakes are quick to retreat and reluctant to bite, usually only doing so when captured or threatened.

This newly born Red Bellied drowned after falling into a suburban pool.

Dealing with Red-Bellied Black Snake Encounters

If you encounter a Red-Bellied Black Snake in your home or yard, follow these steps:

1. Keep Your Distance: Avoid approaching the snake and ensure the safety of children and pets.

2. Call a Professional: Contact a business experienced in snake removal for safe and efficient handling.

3. Close Doors and Windows: Prevent the snake from entering your home by keeping doors and windows closed.

4. Do Not Attempt DIY Removal: Avoid trying to remove the snake yourself, as it can be dangerous. Professional expertise is essential.

5. Learn About Local Species: Familiarise yourself with the common snakes in your area, especially venomous ones, to better understand potential risks.

6. Prevent Future Encounters: After removal, take proactive steps to minimise future snake encounters. This includes sealing openings, maintaining a tidy yard, and reducing factors that may attract snakes.

Preventive Measures to Minimise Red-Bellied Black Snake Encounters

Red-Bellied Black Snakes are drawn to suburban areas due to the presence of their prey. To reduce the risk of future encounters, consider these preventive measures:

• Keep your yard clean and free of debris that may provide snake hiding spots.

• Be aware of factors that attract prey, such as bird aviaries, chicken coops, or small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs.

• Understand that snakes perceive their surroundings differently based on their height, so stay vigilant, especially in snake-prone areas.

Red-Bellied Black Snake Bite First Aid: What to Do in an Emergency

If you or someone else is bitten by a Red-Bellied Black Snake, follow these steps:

1. Stay Calm: Remaining calm is crucial in a snakebite emergency. Panic can worsen the situation by increasing heart rate and venom circulation. (Easier said than done, we know.)

2. Call for Help: Dial emergency services immediately. Swift professional medical assistance is paramount for snakebite treatment.

3. Immobilise the Affected Area:

• Keep the bitten limb still to slow venom spread through the lymphatic system.

• Avoid unnecessary movement or exertion to prevent increased blood flow and venom circulation.

• Treat the limb as if it was a fracture…No movement.

4. Remove Constricting Items:

• Carefully remove tight clothing, jewellery, or accessories near the bite site if it's on a limb. Swelling is inevitable, and constricting items can worsen the situation.

5. Keep the Bite Below Heart Level:

• Position the bitten limb at or below heart level whenever possible. This can help reduce swelling and slow venom spread.

6. Do Not Apply a Tourniquet:

• Avoid using a tourniquet or attempting to restrict blood flow above the bite, as it can concentrate venom and worsen the injury.

7. Do Not Cut or Suck the Bite:

• Avoid making cuts or trying to suck out venom, as these methods are ineffective and can lead to complications.

8. Keep the Person Calm and Reassured:

• Emotional stress can intensify envenomation effects. Maintain a calm and reassuring presence while awaiting professional help.

9. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine:

• Refrain from alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can increase blood flow and the potential absorption of venom.

In a snakebite emergency, the most critical step is seeking immediate medical assistance. Red-Bellied Black Snake bites may require antivenom, which is administered exclusively by medical professionals.

While waiting for professional help, focus on keeping the affected person calm and still to minimize venom spread and complications. Keep in mind that the severity of snakebite envenomations can vary, underscoring the importance of following these steps potentially to save a life.

 Conclusion

Encountering a Red-Bellied Black Snake in your home or yard can be unsettling. Still, by following safety guidelines, seeking professional assistance when needed, and taking preventive measures, you can coexist safely with these reptiles. Remember that repeat visits by Red-Bellied Black Snakes are relatively rare, and with proactive actions, you can minimise the chances of future encounters. Stay informed and prepared to ensure the safety of your family and pets in snake-prone regions.

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