10 Most Venomous Snakes in Australia

Australia is well known for housing a variety of dangerous animals. It is simple to understand why, given that this vast southern land is home to about 170 different species of snakes, 100 of which are venomous. The top three most venomous snakes in the world are found in Australia, but there are only two to four fatalities there each year, compared to 11,000 in Asia. In any case, it’s critical to remain vigilant to prevent inciting an assault. Take a bite out of our list of Australia’s 10 most poisonous snakes, which features the inland taipan, eastern brown snake, and tiger snake.

Table of Contents

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textili

The Eastern Brown snake, which can be found all along Australia’s east coast from far north Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and on into South Australia, is thought to be the cause of about 60% of fatal snake bites there. Adults are swift and combative and can reach a height of two meters. The second-most venomous bite of any terrestrial snake belongs to the Eastern Brown. This snake will raise its body off the ground and form a “S” shape when it feels threatened.

10 Most Venomous Snakes in Australia - Travel Pixy — Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) | © Bernard DUPONT/Flickr

Western Brown Snake

The Western Brown snake, also called the Gwardar, is common throughout Australia. Along with eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and grasslands, it prefers dry habitats. The Western Brown delivers a bite with three times as much venom than its eastern cousin, causing nausea, headaches, and abdominal pain in humans despite having less potent venom. Dogs and cats can become paralyzed.

Tiger Snake

Notechis scutatus

The tiger snake can be challenging to recognize due to variations in color and pattern, but as their name suggests, they are typically striped. The Tiger Snake, which is widespread in southern Australia and can be found in Tasmania and the Bass Strait coastal islands, has a highly neurotoxic venom that, if untreated, has a mortality rate of between 40 and 60%. In the majority of Australian states, tiger snakes are also a protected species.

Inland Taipan

Oxyuranus microlepidotus

The Inland Taipan is regarded as the most venomous snake in the world, with each bite estimated to contain enough poison to kill more than 100 men. This serpent is, however, typically solitary, calm, and unlikely to attack. It lives in isolated, semi-arid areas of South Australia and Queensland. The Inland Taipan is so uncommon that until 1972, the scientific community thought it was a mystery species.

Coastal Taipan

Oxyuranus scutellatu

Coastal Taipans are an aggressive species with the third-most toxic venom of any terrestrial snake in the world, in contrast to their timid cousin. Coastal Taipans, which can reach two meters in length and are found in northern and eastern Australia, have the longest fangs of any Australian snake, measuring 12 millimeters. A neurotoxin that swiftly induces headaches, nausea/vomiting, convulsions, paralysis, internal bleeding, and kidney damage is injected by the Coastal Taipan when it perceives a threat.

Common Death Adder

Acanthophis antarcticu

The Common Death Adder is a predator that can ambush prey and unleash the fastest strike in history in less than 0.15 seconds. The Common Death Adder, which can be found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and the southern coastal regions of Western Australia, freezes when threatened and blends into its surroundings. They are distinguished from other Australian snakes by having the longest fangs and a broad, triangular head on a stout body.

Red-Bellied Black Snake

Pseudechis porphyriacus

The Red-Bellied Black snake is a common sight along Australia’s east coast. It is less venomous than other elapid Australian snakes, and while bites often necessitate immediate medical attention, they are rarely fatal. Although they can frequently be found in bushland and woodland, Red-Bellied Black snakes prefer to live close to dams, streams, and billabongs. Even better, they can remain underwater for up to 23 minutes.

Mulga Snake

Pseudechis australi

The Mulga snake is one of the world’s longest venomous serpents at three meters in length. The species, also called the King Brown snake, actually belongs to the genus Pseudechis (black snakes). Except for Victoria and Tasmania, Mulga snakes are found throughout the country. Despite having a relatively weak venom, they can bite victims and inject 150 milligrams of venom in a single bite.

Small-Eyed Snake

Cryptophis nigrescen

The small-eyed snake is not to be taken lightly; despite only being 50 cm long, its venom contains a long-acting myotoxin that attacks muscle tissue for days after contact. The small-eyed snake, which inhabits the mesic hinterland regions of eastern Australia, is elusive and is rarely seen during the day. Only one fatality has been reported, and they are also hesitant to attack.

Lowland Copperhead

Austrelaps superbu

Lowland Copperheads are the only venomous species found above the snow line, and unlike many snake species, they have adapted to colder climates. They also live in low-vegetation areas in Tasmania and southeastern Australia, preferring to be near bodies of water. Lowland copperheads generally avoid conflict with people, but if cornered, they will attack. With only a dozen bites and one fatality recorded, they are slow moving and rarely bite.

Topic: 10 Most Venomous Snakes in Australia

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