Huge venomous red-bellied black snake is found HIDING inside a children's toy basket as catchers issue an urgent warning

 

• Queensland family discovered a red-belly black snake in a toy basket at home
• The venomous reptile was removed by Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7
• As summer approaches, more snakes in Australia will emerge to lap up the sun 

A shocked family discovered a venomous red-bellied black snake hidden among their children's toys inside their Queensland home.

Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 were called out to an address in Maroochydore on Friday to retrieve the snake, which was found nestling among some children's dolls in a toy basket.

Posting the retrieval video on their Facebook page, the snake catchers described the reptile as 'extremely healthy' and said it was 'amazing' nobody was accidentally bitten.

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The toy basket (pictured) where a snake retriever removed a red belly black from a Queensland home this week

'When I arrived and saw this situation it actually sent a shiver down my spine,' one of the snake catchers said.

'The two young daughters and their mum were playing in the girl's room and went to take a few toys out of the toy basket when they uncovered a large fat red bellied black snake hiding in there.

'It was so lucky that one of them didn't put their hand on the snake.'

Red-bellied black snakes are typically shy but can be highly venomous if they feel threatened and bite.

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The professional from Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers (pictured left) was 'amazed' no one was bitten by the venomous snake

They often raise their body and neck region to try and deter potential predators.

'Snakes like small, confined spaces and can get into places that seem impossible,' the snake catchers advise on their website.

'A bite from this species should be treated immediately and attended to with correct first aid.' 

Red-belly black snakes

*One of eastern Australia's most commonly encountered snakes

*Although its venom is capable of causing significant illness, no deaths have ever been recorded from its bite

*Common in woodlands, forests and swamp land, the red-bellied black snake often ventures into nearby urban areas

*Main food sources include frogs, fish, reptiles, and small mammals

*Typically average around 1.25 m in length, boast glossy black upper parts, bright red or orange flanks and a distinctive pink red belly