![]() ![]() It is believed the coastal taipan population has grown significantly since the introduction of the cane toad as many other venomous snake populations have declined somewhat. It isn’t known if this is a common prey or if the snake is resistant to the toad’s poison. One dead specimen (road kill) was found to have ingested a cane toad. ![]() Mice, rats, and other smaller mammals, as well as birds are preferred prey. Although not related, the coastal taipan is closely aligned with Africa’s black mamba in toxin power, hunting behavior, size, and shape. The second longest venomous snake in Australia, they commonly grow to more than 6.5 feet (1.9 meters), with a recorded maximum length of 9.5 feet (2.8 meters) and about 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms) though experts expect some may reach lengths exceeding 11 feet (3.3 meters). The fangs of the coastal taipan are among the longest (13 mm) of any Australian snake and there are documented cases of a bite through a victim’s boots and thick socks requiring hospitalization. Prior to the late 1950s when an effective antivenin became available, nearly all bites were fatal and could occur in as little as 60 minutes. With a neurotoxic venom that is the third most powerful of any land snake, getting help quickly is essential. Although not aggressively seeking confrontation, when surprised, the snake is known to literally launch itself at its target and deliver multiple quick bites. Common along the eastern coast, the coastal taipan tends to prefer sugar cane fields and other agricultural settings. Coastal Taipan ( Oxyuranus scutellatus)ĭespite our refusal to rank these venomous snakes, the coastal taipan certainly makes a case for itself as nightmare fodder. They really aren’t ranked by danger, because the most dangerous is of course the one ready to strike you. Here are 10 of the most dangerous Australian snakes. At the least they can seriously mess you up if you don’t get treatment. All of them can kill and have at least one documented fatality. You don’t want to be bitten by any of these snakes. Loud swearing might be appropriate, but you still want to put a compress over the wound and get to a doctor. Never attempt to suck the venom from the wound or allow anyone else to try it-it simply doesn’t help and is dangerous to you both. Stormtrooper Armor Saves Australian Man From Venomous Snake BiteĪlso, don’t take inspiration from popular culture-whisky isn’t a cure and even mild intoxication can interfere with your treatment. Two Venomous Australian Snakes Came By Sea, Not Land All of Australia’s venomous snakes are protected by law, so killing the one that bit you isn’t just pointless, it is illegal. The hospital/doctor does NOT need or want the snake and you risk additional injury and are wasting valuable time. Effective antivenins exist for the deadliest snakes, resulting in potentially long and painful hospital visits, but fatalities are exceedingly rare with prompt treatment.Īs you should any time you are bitten, get as good a description of the snake as possible, but do not attempt to collect the snake. In fact, deaths from horses, cattle, and kangaroos each average about six times more deaths a year than reptiles, according to some statistics. The good news for Australians and visitors alike is that venomous snake bites are rare and only a handful of deaths are recorded each year on the continent. The coastal taipan is the second longest venomous snake in Australia. ![]()
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