Two different venomous snakes, one Mamre Road address: Snakes in the City (SITC) removed a red-bellied black snake and an eastern brown snake from a property in Kemps Creek.
The call-out is a useful reminder that identifying one snake does not account for every animal nearby. If you have seen two, tell the catcher—even if one has disappeared.
What happens when a red-bellied black meets an eastern brown?
An encounter does not automatically mean a fight. The snakes may move apart; finding them in the same area is not evidence of aggression, mating or one hunting the other. No interaction between the two snakes was reported for this call-out.
Predation is possible: both species are known to eat other snakes, as described in the Australian Museum’s explanation of snake-eating behaviour. That does not predict the outcome of a particular encounter. Never try to separate, provoke or move snakes to see what happens.
A red-bellied black snake is not reliable protection against brown snakes. Do not assume a property is free of eastern browns because a red-belly is present. Both deserve space and professional assessment when they are close to people.
Why might both species visit a property?
Red-bellied black snakes often use damp areas and feed on frogs and other small animals. Eastern browns use open and disturbed habitats and commonly eat rats and mice. Shelter and food can bring different species into the same broader area; these general habits do not establish what attracted the Mamre Road snakes.
Our red-bellied black snake guide and eastern brown snake guide explain the species. Colour alone is not a safe identification method; use our snake identification advice without approaching for a photograph.
If you see two snakes, give both plenty of room
- Move people and pets away. Do not stand between the snakes, block their escape or follow them into cover.
- From an already safe position, note each snake’s last location and direction. Do not search through grass, sheets of metal or stored materials.
- Call SITC on 0411 103 488. Give the Mamre Road address, safest entrance and number of snakes seen.
After the area is clear, address rodents, secure animal feed and reduce clutter around frequently used paths. See our acreage and rural-property snake advice and guidance for snakes near pets. These precautions cannot guarantee a snake-free property.
Possible snakebite? Call 000 for an ambulance immediately. Keep the person still, follow the operator’s instructions and apply pressure immobilisation for a bitten limb. Do not wash the bite, use a tourniquet or try to catch the snake. See our snake safety guide and Healthdirect’s first-aid instructions. For a possible pet bite, contact a vet urgently.
Need help around Kemps Creek? Explore our South-West Sydney service area or call SITC with the location and current situation.
Species references: Australian Museum profiles for the red-bellied black snake and eastern brown snake.
Kemps Creek snake removal guide
Need help at a Kemps Creek property? Our local service guide explains what to do while waiting, warehouse and acreage access, fees and nearby coverage.