Like many of the world's most dangerous creatures, the red- bellied black snake makes its home in Australia. Extremely aggressive, this reptile is just as comfortable chasing prey in trees or in the water as it is on the ground. Bad tempered, red-bellied snakes don't even get along with each other very well. During mating season, males fight over females in battles that last for hours; other times, these snakes try to eat each other.
All Purpose: The red-bellied black snake is fast on land, chasing prey through plants and even into their burrows to make the kill. This reptile also likes to climb trees and sneak up on birds, and even lies on the bottom of lakes to strike at fish.
Red Flag: When threatened, this snake rears up to flash its bright red belly, which shows that it's venomous. If the enemy doesn't leave, the snake makes a few fake strikes, but will strike for real after a few warnings. Its venom can kill large animals, even people.
Twisted Dudes[]
When this snake raises its head and body and shows its red belly, a poisonous bite is usually on the way.
When it's spring in Australia (which is from September through December, since the continent is in the Southern Hemisphere), red-bellied black snakes come out to breed. If two males approach the same female, the males start an elaborate battle. The rivals rear up and hiss at each other, then twist their bodies together. When in this position, the snakes try to raise their heads above that of their rival so they can strike down at their necks. These fights can last for hours, but one snake usually flees before it is badly injured.
Young & Tender: The red-bellied black snake takes food wherever it can find it, and that includes smaller members of its own species. Young and old snakes alike are vulnerable to the venom of other red-bellies.
Submarine Snake: If this snake has to flee from an enemy, it will literally take a dive. The red-belly likes to hide in water-the reptile can stay submerged for more than an hour before needing to take a breath.
In the Bag[]
- After a full day of hiking through the Australian bush, a young camper rolls out her sleeping bag and prepares to rest. A red-bellied black snake, tired from hunting all day, senses the warm sleeping bag and has the same idea.
- The camper frightens the snake as soon as she climbs into the bag. The snake feels cornered, so it has no choice but to strike. The woman jumps out of the bag, but the snake holds on with its strong jaws so it can pump venom into its enemy.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The photo capion on the back of the card erroneously refers to the snake's bite as poisonous.