Reuven: i saw an article, that says Australia has more poisonous snakes than any continent in the world.. True???? Chuck
----- Original Message ----- From: "WadaWorks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2005 10:27 AM Subject: Snakes in Australia was: [VFB] Freshwater eels It could be a lot worse. Here in Australia we have many snakes. Most times when I fish my usual haunt, I bump into 4 or 5 tiger, browns and copper head snakes and what not in an area called Taipan Alley. These things get a lot bigger than 6 foot. The great thing about New Zealand is that they have no snakes at all. Not even one. Unlike where I fish, waders are worn there against the chilly snow melts rather than against fangs. Reuven from Wes Wada, Bend, Oregon: Poisonous snakes of Australia (I hear there are some insects and arachnids equally as bad...) Tiger Snake (illustration: http://www.survivaliq.com/survival/PIC/img163.jpg ) Description: Olive to dark brown above with yellowish or olive belly and crossbands. The subspecies in Tasmania and Victoria is uniformly black. Characteristics: It is the most dangerous snake in Australia. It is very common and bites many humans. It has a very potent neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system. When aroused, it is aggressive and attacks any intruder. It flattens its neck making a narrow band. --- Australian Copperhead Description: Coloration is reddish brown to dark brown. A few from Queensland are black. Characteristics: Rather sluggish disposition but will bite if stepped on. When angry, rears its head a few inches from the ground with its neck slightly arched. Its venom is neurotoxic. --- Death adder (illustration: http://www.survivaliq.com/survival/PIC/img162.jpg ) Acanthophis antarcticus Description: Reddish, yellowish, or brown color with distinct dark brown crossbands The end of its tail is black, ending in a hard spine. Characteristics: When aroused, this highly dangerous snake will flatten its entire body, ready to strike over a short distance. It is nocturnal, hiding by day and coming out to feed at night. Although it has the appearance of a viper, it is related to the cobra family. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin; its causes mortality in about 50 percent of the victims, even with treatment. --- Taipan Oxyuranus scutellatus (illustration: http://www.survivaliq.com/survival/PIC/img161.jpg ) Description: Generally uniformly olive or dark brown, the head is somewhat darker brown. Characteristics: Considered one of the most deadly snakes. It has an aggressive disposition. When aroused, it can display a fearsome appearance by flattening its head, raising it off the ground, waving it back and forth, and suddenly striking with such speed that the victim may receive several bites before it retreats. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin, causing respiratory paralysis. Its victim has little chance for recovery without prompt medical aid.
