Australia has a wide variety of snakes. There are 140 terrestrial snake species and 32 sea snake species. Of these, 100 species are venomous but only 12 have deadly venom that can cause death or permanent internal injury. Several Australian snake species make the list of the 10 most poisonous snakes in the world.
Most venomous snakes in Australia belong to what is sometimes referred to as the front fanged snake class. This category includes the death adder, the tiger snake, the mulga, the brown snake, king brown snake and several sea snake species. Snakes in the rare fanged class are not exactly harmless and one must steer clear of mangrove snakes and the brown tree snake.
But despite these somewhat alarming statistics, it is important to remember that a snake will only attack if it feels threatened or when it is provoked. When you come across a snake, the golden rule on safety is to remain calm and avoid confrontation – instead, walk away. Do not attempt to capture the snake or even kill it. Many snake bites that occur in Australia take place because the victim confronted or tried to kill the snake.
Snakes are often just as alarmed when they notice the presence of a human and will try to flee. Therefore, by walking away, you will give the snake the opportunity to safely get away too. Remember also that most snakes are found in the outback and the sea so persons in urban areas are less likely to encounter a snake.
Contrary to their fearsome reputation, a substantial proportion of all snake young do not make it to adulthood. Snake eggs and young snakes are eaten by birds and lizards. Some snakes are also predators to the young of a different snake species.
So what should you do in case you are a victim of a snake bite?
- Apply pressure on the wound but avoid interfering with the blood flow. Do not use a bandage that will in any way constrain the flow of blood.
- Avoid any form of movement and especially walking. Instead, call out to have someone come over to help you. Of course, the exception to this rule would be if you are bitten when alone and in a remote area. If the bite was on the legs as is often the case, use an improvised splint to reduce the amount of movement on the affected limb as you make your way to the hospital.
- Do not wash, wipe or cut the wound neither should you try to suck out the poison. The hospital laboratory would need a swab of the wound so they can identify the snake involved and administer the correct antivenin.
- Do not try to fight back. Often, the snake will bite once and move away. Trying to catch or kill the snake out of anger or revenge will only expose you to the risk of another attack.
The presence of such a wide range of snakes should not affect your immigration plans. Even the most dangerous snakes are really quite harmless as long as you do not confront them.
Back to the Australian animals overview
References:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/snakes.htm
http://www.outback-Australia-travel-secrets.com/Australian_snakes.html
