Australia is home to a diversity of snake species. The continent hosts approximately 170 species of land snakes, with about 100 of these being venomous. These reptiles play significant roles in Australia’s ecosystems, adapting to environments from arid deserts to lush rainforests. While Australia has a reputation for potent snake venom, most species are not aggressive, typically retreating from human encounters. Understanding these snakes helps to appreciate their ecological contributions and promotes safe coexistence.
Australia’s Highly Venomous Terrestrial Snakes
Australia is known for its highly venomous terrestrial snakes. Among these, the Inland Taipan (also known as the fierce snake) is considered to have the most toxic venom of any land snake. This species inhabits the arid, semi-arid regions of central Australia, including the Channel Country of southwest Queensland and northeast South Australia. The Inland Taipan is shy, seeking shelter in cracks and holes, and its bite is rare.
The Eastern Brown Snake is another highly venomous species, responsible for a significant number of snakebite deaths in Australia. These snakes are common along the eastern coast, from Queensland to Victoria, and are also found in parts of South Australia and Western Australia. Eastern Brown Snakes are fast-moving and can be defensive when disturbed, often raising their bodies in an S-shape before striking. Their venom can cause progressive paralysis and interfere with blood clotting.
Tiger Snakes are found in southeastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and parts of South Australia, often near wetlands and water bodies. They are known for their potent venom. Tiger Snakes are involved in a substantial number of snakebite incidents.
The Coastal Taipan is Australia’s longest venomous snake, capable of growing up to 3 meters. This species is found in coastal areas of northern and northeastern Australia, from Brisbane to Darwin. When threatened, the Coastal Taipan can strike without warning, injecting a large amount of venom that affects the nervous system and blood, potentially leading to nausea, convulsions, internal bleeding, and kidney damage.
Other Terrestrial Snakes
Beyond the highly venomous species, Australia’s land snake population includes many with less potent venom or those that are non-venomous. Pythons, for instance, are non-venomous constrictors and are among the most commonly encountered snakes in suburban areas. The Carpet Python, recognizable by its varied patterns, can grow up to three meters long and is found across mainland Australia in diverse habitats, from rainforests to arid regions. They are nocturnal predators, using heat-sensing organs to hunt small mammals, birds, and lizards, and control rodent populations.
The Olive Python is another large non-venomous constrictor, often exceeding 4 meters in length. These snakes are typically olive-green to brownish-black and are found in northern Australia, preferring rocky areas, gorges, and water sources. They are adept climbers and strong swimmers, ambushing prey such as birds, mammals, and other reptiles.
The Red-bellied Black Snake is a venomous species frequently encountered on Australia’s east coast. While its bite can cause significant illness, including pain, swelling, and muscle damage, it is considered less dangerous than many other Australian elapids, and fatalities are rare. These snakes are shy and will attempt to flee when approached, only biting if severely provoked.
Marine Snakes
Australia’s waters are home to a unique group of marine snakes, with around 32 recorded species. These “true” sea snakes are fully adapted to aquatic life, possessing paddle-like tails for swimming and valves that close their nostrils underwater. They must surface to breathe air, but some species can remain submerged for extended periods, even absorbing oxygen through their skin.
The Olive Sea Snake is commonly found on Australia’s coral reefs, particularly along the northern coast. These venomous snakes can grow up to 2 meters long and are nocturnal hunters, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. While their venom is potent, Olive Sea Snakes are docile and curious, rarely biting humans unless provoked.
The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake is found in tropical oceanic waters, including off the Australian coast. It has a distinctive bicolored pattern, typically black or brown on top with a yellow underside. These snakes are pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean, often drifting with currents. Although their venom is potent, bites to humans are rare due to their calm temperament and the fact that they struggle to move on land.
Coexisting with Australian Snakes
Encountering a snake in Australia requires a calm and cautious approach to ensure safety. Snakes are not naturally aggressive and typically bite only when they feel threatened, often when startled or provoked. Maintaining distance is the primary safety measure; if you see a snake, remain still or slowly back away to allow it to move off on its own.
Never attempt to approach, handle, or harm a snake, as this is when most bites occur. If a snake is in an unwanted location, such as inside a home, contact a licensed snake catcher for safe removal. Attempting to kill or capture a snake without a license can also carry legal penalties in some regions.
In the rare event of a snakebite, immediate medical attention is necessary. Call emergency services immediately. The bitten person should remain as still as possible to minimize venom spread. Apply a pressure immobilization bandage to the affected limb, wrapping it firmly over the bite site and extending it up the entire limb, then splinting the limb.
Do not wash the bite site, apply a tourniquet, or try to suck out the venom. These measures help to contain the venom while professional medical help is en route.