A red-bellied black snake was safely removed from a car near Kiama, part of a surge in snake rescues linked to mating season.

A 1.5-meter red-bellied black snake was safely removed from under a ute near Kiama Blowhole on September 28, drawing a crowd as snake catcher Glen Peacock extracted the calm but reluctant reptile. The snake likely hitched a ride, a common occurrence as male snakes travel far during mating season. This marked the fourth snake rescue from a vehicle in a week, including a python in Warilla and another red-bellied black in Gerringong. Peacock warned that most snake bites happen when people attempt to handle snakes, emphasizing the need to keep a safe distance and call professionals. A recent case in Wilton saw a woman hospitalized after being bitten by an eastern brown snake while trying to protect her dog, underscoring the dangers of human interference.