Australian snakes

Not all venomous snakes are dangerous to humans -

- so you don't need to panic about Australian snakes. Really!

There are about 2500 snake species in the world. In Australia live only 110 land and 32 sea snakes.

So why is everyone talking about the dangers of snakes in Australia?
Well, Australia is the only country, or region, that has more venomous snakes than non-venomous species. But not all of the snakes considered poisonous have venom that is capable to kill humans, or even cause severe illness.

Snakes can be found all over Australia, not only in the Outback. However, you will hardly see them. On all my trips I only saw three or four snakes and I nearly stepped on one when I was walking along the Eyre Highway.

I introduce you to the most common Australian snakes, their habitat, how to prevend snake bites, and what to do when the rare case happens, and you get bitten.
As usual my motte is "Know what to expect in the Australian Outback, and you'll be safe".

Australian snake on a highway,
yes, that's the one I nearly stepped on.

General facts on Australian snakes

Senses: Snakes can see, smell and hear. Most snakes have good eyesight, at least over short distances. They hear with an inner ear that picks up vibrations from the ground. But their most important sense is the sense of smell. Snakes smell by flicking their tongues in and out their their mouth.

Snakes are cold-blooded. They can't regulate their temperature internally like mammals do. Snakes need the sun, or at least warm air temperature for their body heat. The colder it is, the more inactive snakes become. That's why snakes like basing in the sun.

Breeding: Some snakes lay eggs, while others give birth to living young.

Non-venomous Australian snakes include pythons, file snakes (a sea snake), and blind snakes. The amethystine python is by far the longest snake in Australia, it grows up to 5 - 6 m. They live in northern tropical Queensland, mostly in rain forests.

The most dangerous snakes in Australia

The Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) is Australia's most notorious snake, and the longest of the venomous snakes. It can grow up to 3m, the average taipan is 2,5 m. Before the development of antivenom in the 1950s bites from the taipan where mostly fatal. The taipan inhabits the coastal areas in Australia's north and north east, from Brisbane to Darwin.

The Fierce Snake (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is also called the inland taipan. It is not as big as the taipan. As the name tells, this is a snake of the Outback. The fierce snake can be found in south west Queensland, north east of South Australia, and in the north west of New South Wales.

A Desert Death Adder, Acanthophis Pyrrhus, Lying on Warm Sand

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The Death Adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) is the only Australian snake that won't budge an inch, even if you're about to step on it. It lies camouflaged on sand, gravel or leaf litter so that its body is covered. It is most active at night, and can be found all over Australia except Victoria and the very south east of South Australia.

The Common or Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) can be found in the eastern half of Australia, but perhaps in the west as well. The output of venom is low because of its undersized fangs. However, the brown snakes causes more deaths in Australia than any other snake. The Dugite and Gwardar belong to the same snake family. Victims of these Australian snakes respond quite well to the anti-venom.

Read more about Snakes in Australia and see some photos on this very informative site of the Sydney University.(Opens new window)

Don't miss this story and read why even an experienced wilderness traveller has got a fear of snakes. It is worth reading.

What do you do to prevent snake bites?

Don't provoke a snake, don't dry to catch or kill it. When a snake crosses your path, wait and let it slither away. Stamp your feet and make some noise, it'll go away. Don't make the snake feel trapped.
When walking in grasslands always wear socks and boots.
Don't lift large rocks and dead wood, you could wake up a snake. Don't put your hands into hollow logs and chinks among rocks.
Use a torch when you walk around your campsite in the dark. Shake out your sleeping bag if you had left it on the ground.
Last but not least, don't panic when you see y snake. Always remember: the snake might be as frightened as you are. Snakes usually won't attack anything that is too big to swallow.

First aid for snake bites

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It is a good idea that all members of your travel party know what to do if the rare case does happen, and someone in your travel party gets bitten by a snake. First of all, stay calm.

Try to reassure the victim.
Don't cut the wound, do not even touch it. The remaining venom helps to identify the snake.
Don't put ice or any lotion on the wound.
Don't be a fool and try to catch and kill the snake. You might suffer from a bite next.
Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage immediately. It helps to slow down the movement of the venom in the body. Don't make it too firm, it shouldn't stop the blood flow. The bandage should be firm enough to compress the lymph vessels. It should stay in place until a doctor takes care of the victim.

Useful Tip

Don't know how to put that pressure bandage on correctly? See the instructions on the Australian Venom Research Unit. Print it out and take it with you. You certainly won't need it, however, isn't it a good feeling to be prepared for anything? The correct application of the pressure immobilisation bandage buys you valuable time to transport the victim to a doctor.

Also, refer to the First Aid Kit Checklist and take the necessary items with you.

I am afraid, I had to say "don't do this and don't do that" a few times. I hope it helps you to do the right thing, and most importantly, you feel well informed and don't worry about Australian snakes anymore.

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