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Brown Snakes
We will soon be entering the deadliest part of the season, with brown snakes egg hatchings from January through to April.
But the dangers are already present as
this story
shows.
Brown snakes comprise about 75% of bites and deaths to humans and animals.
The brown snake is approximately 1.5 metres long, and is one of Australia's more deadly creatures. They have venom which
can cause death to humans relatively quickly if left untreated.
They feed on small creatures, such as mice and rats, small birds, lizards or even other snakes.
In the last few years there has been a progressive and very alarming rise in the number of deaths from snake bites. Many
of those deaths are associated with brown snakes. It's thought that the reason for the increase is that snakes, and brown
snakes in particular, are adapting so well to urban environments.
Brown snakes come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, including brown, orange-red, grey, banded, unbanded and speckled.
They have adapted very well to urban and metropolitan areas and can often be found hiding under wood heaps or sheets of corrugated iron.
A bite from a brown snake is not usually painful, the fang marks are tiny and sometimes people don't even realise they've been bitten.
Even though brown snakes produce relatively small amounts of venom, the venom is very toxic, and following a bite major collapse can
occur within half an hour if no first aid has been given.
Therefore correct use of first aid is critical.
If you see a snake
- leave it alone
- if it is in the house, close all the doors and confine it to one room if possible
- telephone one of the wildlife rescue organisations or the National Parks and Wildlife in your state - they can refer you to a
snake collector in your area (a fee may apply)
- do not try to catch it yourself!
First aid for snake bite
DO :
- apply a pressure bandage firmly over the bitten area as you would for a sprain - this slows down the passage of the venom
through the lymphatic system. Bandage from the bite to the fingers or toes, then back to the groin or armpit.
- splint the limb
- avoid moving the patient
- seek medical attention
DON'T :
- apply a tourniquet or constrictive bandage
- wash, cut or suck the wound or apply any chemicals to the bite area
Contact information
Snake-Away Services
Telephone: 0413 511 335
Snake AAA Adelaide Catchers
Telephone: 0413 635 373
Adelaide Snake Catchers
Telephone: 0413 665 483
A fee may be charged. Check with removalist
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