Australia is home to around 140 species of snakes, with the majority being venomous.
However, it’s essential to note that not all Australian snakes are venomous, and many play crucial roles in our ecosystem.
According to the NSW Environment and Heritage website, “The most dangerous snakes belong to the front-fanged group, which includes the tiger snake, brown snake, death adder, mulga or king brown snake and a few species of sea snake.”
As for the deadliest snakes worldwide, some people think the Black mamba, found in Africa, is home to the deadliest snake, but it’s a little further down the list.
Top 3 deadliest snakes in the world
According to Live Science, these are the top three deadliest snakes, two of which are found in Australia.
- Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
- Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus
- The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
How to identify Australia’s most venomous snakes
Eastern tiger snake
The Eastern tiger snake typically has a robust body with a distinct pattern. Its colour varies, but it often features alternating yellow, olive, or brown bands, giving it a tiger-like appearance; this means no two tiger snakes are alike.
The belly is usually cream or yellowish, sometimes with dark spots. It has a broad, flattened head distinct from its neck, and its eyes have round pupils.
They possess venom that can be potent and cause harm to humans if bitten. As for their behaviour, Eastern tiger snakes are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontation. However, if threatened or cornered, they may become defensive and behave aggressively.
Eastern brown snake
The Eastern brown snake is one of the most venomous snakes in Australia. Despite this, it has some of the smallest fangs compared to other Australian venomous snakes. It typically has a slender body with a glossy appearance, usually ranging from light to dark brown. Some brown snakes also have light stripes.
The head is relatively small and distinct from the neck. It has medium eyes with a brow bridge. The iris tends to be an orange colour.
Fierce snake (Inland Taipan)
The Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is slender and can grow up to 1.8 metres. It has smooth scales, typically ranging in colour from olive to light brown on the upper side, with a lighter shade on the belly. In saying that, this deadly snake changes colour with the seasons. The Inland Taipan’s head is almost rectangular and tends to be darker than the body.
Its venom is considered the most poisonous in the world. In addition to its potent neurotoxic effects, the venom contains a hyaluronidase enzyme, enhancing the absorption rate. This combination of toxicity and spreading capability means that a bite from an Inland Taipan could pose a severe threat to life without immediate medical attention.
Despite this, the snake is known for its docile nature and rarely poses a threat to humans. Fortunately, only a few reported cases of people being bitten by this species have occurred, and all of them have survived thanks to prompt and proper first aid and hospital treatment.
King brown or Mulga snake
The King brown, also known as the Mulga snake, is a large and highly venomous snake native to Australia. Despite its name, it is part of the black snake species.
The King brown is a long snake reaching up to 2.5 metres. It has a cylindrical body with smooth scales and typically displays a range of colours, including various shades of brown, tan, olive, or grey. Its underside is usually lighter in colour. The head is distinct from the body, often wider with swollen or rounded cheeks. The tail can also be darker than the head.
Common death adder
Common death adders are typically short and stout-bodied, with a broad triangular-shaped head, which makes distinguishing them from other snake species easier. Their colour can vary widely, often matching the surrounding environment, ranging from reddish-brown to grey or black. They have distinct bands or crossbands along their body, which may be pale, reddish, or cream-coloured.
The tip of the tail is usually a different colour from the rest of the body. Despite its short size, the Common death adder has the longest fangs of any Australian snake.
Coastal taipan
This snake is typically medium to large and has a sturdy body with a distinctive deep, rectangular-shaped head that stands out from its slender neck.
Juveniles have a paler head than their body, although the head darkens with age while the snout retains its light colour. The snake’s body can vary from yellowish to reddish-brown, dark brown, or nearly black. Its colour changes throughout the year, appearing darker during winter and lighter during summer.
How can you tell if a snake is venomous?
Unfortunately, no hard and fast rules exist for identifying a venomous snake in Australia.
In a blog published on the Snake Catcher’s Brisbane website, they share some signs that could indicate a venomous snake.
- The head shape. Venomous snakes typically have venom glands, resulting in a more squared-off head. Additionally, non-venomous pythons often have large, prominent heads with visible pits, although there are exceptions to this rule.
- Their size: In Australia, large-bodied, slow-moving climbing snakes are usually non-venomous. However, there are exceptions, and some venomous snakes that are not typically climbers have been observed climbing at times.
- Fangs: Identifying the presence of fangs can be challenging at a glance. However, it’s important to note that all Australian elapids (venomous snakes) have front fangs and varying levels of venom potency, ranging from mildly harmful to potentially lethal.
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The most common places a snake likes to hide in your home
What to do if you find a snake in your house
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