Some Australian snakes lay eggs, while others give birth to live young. The answer depends on the species. An eastern brown snake lays eggs; a red-bellied black snake has live young. Being venomous does not put a snake in one group or the other.
Which snakes lay eggs?
The Australian Museum’s eastern brown snake account describes egg-laying and reports that more than one female may use the same nesting place. A collection of eggs therefore does not necessarily represent one female’s clutch.
Carpet pythons also lay eggs. Queensland’s carpet python guide explains that the female coils around them and guards them until hatching. This is a useful example of a snake remaining with its eggs, rather than a reason to assume every snake does so.
What does live birth mean?
A live-bearing snake produces young that have developed inside her body. Red-bellied black snakes are born inside thin sacs and emerge from them after birth, according to the Australian Museum. That is different from laying a clutch of eggs which then develops outside the mother.
The same account notes that other snakes in the red-bellied black snake’s genus lay eggs. Even closely related snakes can differ, so a broad label such as “black snake” is not enough to answer the breeding question.
Do baby snakes stay with their mother?
For carpet pythons, the young are independent after hatching. Guarding eggs and caring for hatchlings are different things. A female wrapped around a clutch is protecting developing eggs; it does not mean she will feed the young later.
Young snakes can also look different from adults. The juvenile snake guide explains why size and markings need care when interpreting a sighting.
What if you find eggs in the garden?
Queensland’s snake FAQ describes snake eggs as generally white, elongated and covered by a dry, skin-like shell. That description is background information, not a reliable identification key for unknown eggs. Leave them undisturbed and seek local wildlife advice if identification or building work is an issue. Do not open an egg to see what is inside.