If you've seen a small snake in your backyard lately, don't let its size deceive you - 'tis the season for baby red-bellies.
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Despite what you may have heard about baby red-bellies being more or less venomous than their adult counterparts, Illawarra snake catcher Glenn Peacock says they're about the same, although a smaller snake will contain less venom.
He's caught several baby red-bellies, as well as the similar looking eastern small eyed snake in Figtree recently.
Eastern small eyed snakes can be mistaken for baby red-bellies, but to an experts eye the difference is clear.
"They're more of a flat black, rather than a shiny black, and their underbelly is pinky-white rather than red," Mr Peacock said.
Although they only reach about 40cm long and are mostly active at night, the eastern small eyed snake also has a venomous bite.
Rather than getting close enough to tell the difference, if you spot a small black snake wriggling around in the house or yard, you're better off to call a professional.
Mr Peacock recommended taking a photo if possible to help with identification.
"Nine out of ten times if it's out at night in the Illawarra it will be a golden crown snake, not an eastern small eyed," he said.
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