Many snake species are brown, but the term “brown snake” frequently refers to the highly venomous snakes belonging to the genus Pseudonaja, predominantly found in Australia. These reptiles are known for their potent venom and adaptability, which often leads to encounters with humans. Understanding their characteristics, behaviors, and appropriate responses can promote safety. This article clarifies what constitutes a “brown snake” in this context, outlining their features, habitats, behavior, and safety protocols.
Identifying Different Brown Snakes
Distinguishing venomous brown snakes from other brown species is important for safety. The genus Pseudonaja includes several species commonly known as brown snakes, such as the Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis), Western Brown Snake (Pseudonaja mengdeni), and Northern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis). These snakes generally possess a slender to moderate build with a head that is barely distinct from their neck. Their body color is highly variable, ranging from light tan to almost black, making color alone an unreliable identification feature. Some individuals may be unpatterned, while others display dark banding, blotches, or speckles.
The Eastern Brown Snake typically measures around 1.5 to 2.4 meters, with an underside usually cream, yellow, or orange, often marked with pinkish-orange, brown, or grey blotches. Juveniles often have a distinct dark patch on the head and nape, and sometimes dark body bands that fade with age. Western Brown Snakes also have variable coloration, including orange with a black head or a pale head with a grey nape. Their scales are smooth and slightly glossy. The King Brown Snake (Pseudechis australis), despite its name, is not a true brown snake but belongs to a different genus.
Habitats and Distribution
Brown snakes, particularly those of the Pseudonaja genus, are widely distributed across Australia and parts of southern New Guinea. The Eastern Brown Snake, for instance, spans eastern Australia, from northern Queensland down to South Australia. They thrive in a broad spectrum of habitats, excluding dense rainforests and alpine regions. These snakes show a preference for open landscapes such as woodlands, scrublands, grasslands, and savannahs.
Brown snakes have demonstrated a notable ability to adapt to human-modified environments. They are frequently encountered in rural areas heavily influenced by agriculture, as well as on the suburban fringes of towns and cities. Their presence in these areas is often linked to the availability of prey, such as introduced rodents. They seek shelter in places like hollow logs, rock crevices, abandoned animal burrows, and under debris around human structures.
Behavior and Diet
Brown snakes are primarily diurnal, active during the day, though they may shift their activity to late afternoon or early evening during very hot weather. They are solitary animals. These snakes are skilled hunters, relying on keen eyesight to detect prey before giving chase and subduing it with both venom and constriction.
Their diet primarily consists of small vertebrates, including small mammals like rats and mice, as well as lizards, frogs, reptiles, reptile eggs, and birds. Larger brown snakes tend to consume more warm-blooded prey, while smaller individuals often prey on ectothermic animals such as lizards. Brown snakes are not inherently aggressive; they are known for being alert and nervous. If surprised or cornered, they will react defensively, displaying a posture by raising the front part of their body, flattening their neck, and striking. Despite this defensive display, they generally prefer to flee or remain still to avoid detection if approached from a distance.
Safety When Encountering a Brown Snake
Encounters with brown snakes can occur, and taking precautions minimizes risks. Wear long pants, thick socks, and sturdy footwear in outdoor areas known to harbor snakes for protection. Keeping yards tidy, removing piles of rubbish or wood, and sealing gaps in structures makes an area less appealing to snakes. Stay on designated trails and be aware of surroundings, particularly in tall grass or underbrush.
If a brown snake is sighted, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Slowly back away, allowing the snake space to retreat. Never attempt to handle, capture, or kill a snake, as this increases the risk of a bite and is often illegal. For a brown snake bite, immediate medical attention is needed. Call emergency services (000 in Australia). Keep the bitten person as still as possible to slow venom spread, and reassure them.
The first aid for a brown snake bite in Australia is the pressure immobilization technique. This involves applying a wide elastic bandage firmly around the bitten limb, starting from the fingers or toes and extending as high up the limb as possible, similar to bandaging a sprained ankle. The bandage should be tight enough to prevent lymphatic flow but not so tight that it cuts off blood circulation.
After applying the bandage, immobilize the limb with a splint. Do not wash the bite site, apply a tourniquet, or attempt to suck out the venom. Monitor the person’s condition until medical help arrives.