Video shows epic battle between red-bellied black snakes

Video of two large red-bellied black snakes in a desperate struggle for serpentine supremacy near a popular swimming spot at Lake Parramatta reserve has been posted online.

Sydney mother-of-two Carmen Bennett filmed the video in September last year and initially thought the creatures were making sweet, vigorous snake-love, until a reptile expert told her they were in an intense battle for territorial dominance.

The video shows the snakes, which each look to be adult – the species can grow to up to two metres long – twisting around each other like live wrought iron, writhing and circling.

Ms Bennett said she decided to make the video public now because the lake is about to be opened by the council for swimming.

"It’s to say, look come and really enjoy the lake and the wildlife and reserve, but please be aware of the dangers of the snakes and also the dangers of swimming in the lake," she told The Parramatta Advertiser.

The red-bellied black snake is known to be very shy species and its venom is not particularly powerful; only one death has been recorded as a result of its bite.

Source: arramatta Advertiser
Author:Nick Alexander. Approving editor: Lachlan Williams