Australian reptile handlers say they have been stunned to rescue 102 venomous snakes from a backyard mulch pile in Sydney, writes BBC.

"Cory Kerewaro said his business was initially called to rescue “a bunch” of the reptiles after one was reported to have bitten a dog at the property. When his colleague arrived, he discovered 40 red-bellied black snakes - four of which gave birth to more live young once he had placed them in a removal bag.

Red-bellied black snakes are one of the most common venomous species in Australia but have not caused any human deaths on record. The 5 adult and 97 baby snakes are currently under quarantine and will be released into a national park once the weather cools. Mr Kerewaro said it was as record haul for the snake handlers, who normally catch between 5 and 15 reptiles per day.

Female red-bellied black snakes often gather in small groups when they are ready to give birth, possibly to protect against predators, according to Mr Kerewaro. They are the only snake of their genus to give live birth, the Australian Museum says on its website.