Tasmania is home to several dangerous venomous snakes. While the public often uses the term “poisonous,” the correct biological term for creatures that inject toxins through a bite is “venomous.” Encountering one of the island’s three native species requires caution and knowledge. The island’s cooler climate has led to the evolution of cold-adapted snakes with highly potent venom, making them a serious consideration for anyone exploring the natural environment.
Identifying the Venomous Species
Only three species of snake are found across Tasmania, and all three are venomous. The most widely recognized is the Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus), considered one of the most dangerously venomous snakes in the world. Their appearance is highly variable, ranging from the famous banded pattern of yellow and black to unbanded forms that are jet black, olive, or grey, making color an unreliable identifier. These powerfully built snakes often inhabit swampy areas, wetlands, and watercourses, where they hunt frogs and small mammals.
The Lowland Copperhead (Austrelaps superbus) is the second species, commonly found in the cooler, wetter regions of Tasmania. Copperheads are generally dark, ranging from reddish-brown to black, sometimes featuring an indistinct coppery-brown head. They are one of the few Australian snakes that remain active during the colder winter months, adapted to the southern climate. Their venom contains neurotoxins that can cause serious illness in humans, though they are generally shy and less likely to strike than the Tiger Snake.
The third species is the White-lipped Snake (Drysdalia coronoides), the smallest of the three, reaching lengths of about 40 to 50 centimeters. This slender snake is recognized by a distinctive thin white stripe that runs along its upper lip, often bordered by a narrow black line. While its venom is considered less potent than that of the Tiger Snake or Copperhead, any bite requires immediate medical attention. It is the most cold-tolerant species, found in various habitats from sea level to higher altitudes.
Preventing Encounters and Understanding Behavior
Snakes are naturally timid and avoid human contact, biting defensively only when threatened or accidentally stepped on. Their activity is highest during the warmer months, from late spring through summer, when they are frequently observed basking to regulate body temperature. Common habitats include dense bushland, grassy areas, rocky outcrops, and particularly near water sources like creeks, dams, and lagoons.
To minimize the risk of an encounter, wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear and long trousers when walking in areas with tall grass or dense undergrowth. Avoid walking through thick vegetation or sticking hands into hollow logs, rock crevices, or dense piles of leaf litter where a snake might be sheltering. Keeping grass cut low around homes and clearing potential hiding spots like woodpiles discourages snakes from residing near human activity. If a snake is spotted, slowly and calmly retreat, giving the animal plenty of space to move away.
Emergency Response to a Snake Bite
In the event of a suspected or confirmed snake bite, the immediate priority is to call for emergency medical services by dialing Triple Zero (000) in Australia. The victim must be kept as still and calm as possible, since movement accelerates the spread of venom through the lymphatic system. The recommended first aid for all Tasmanian snake bites is the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT).
This technique involves applying a broad, elasticized bandage firmly over the bite site, then continuing to bandage the entire limb, starting from the fingers or toes and extending upward. The pressure should be firm, similar to a sprained ankle bandage, but not tight enough to cut off blood circulation. The entire limb must then be immobilized using a splint or by securing it to a stable object, such as the person’s torso or the other leg.
Crucially, certain actions should be avoided: do not wash the bite area, as residual venom is needed for identification tests at the hospital. Never attempt to cut the wound, suck out the venom, or apply a tight arterial tourniquet, as these actions can cause more harm than good. Identifying the specific snake is unnecessary, as a single antivenom is used to treat envenomation from all three Tasmanian species.