Snakes

ABOUT SNAKES

Western Australia has around 110 varieties of snakes, 35 of which are unique to the state. These vary from small worm-like blind snakes to huge pythons that measure more than 5 meters long.

 

Western Australia has some of the world’s most venomous varieties of snakes. These may include:

  • Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)
  • Mulga snake or King brown snake (Pseudechis australis)
  • Dugite (Pseudonaja affinis)
  • Western brown snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis)
  • Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)
  • Tiger snakes (Notechis Scutatus)

 

Snake bites are rare in Australia with very few recorded deaths since the development of anti-venom. Most snakes would rather slither away and will only strike if they feel threatened.

21 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world live in Australia, including the most poisonous snake in the world. The inland taipan, commonly known as the “fierce snake,” has venom so powerful a single bite could kill 100 grown men.

Snakes

Snakes are long, narrow, flexible, legless reptiles.

They are covered in overlapping scales.

Their organs are often top/bottom instead of side/side.

Most species only have 1 lung.

They come in a range in colours. Some have block colour while other species have vibrant colours and patterns which are used to either attract prey or warn off predators.

Snakes are found all over the world excluding a few islands such as:

New Zealand, Hawaii, Greenland, Iceland & Ireland.

They mostly prefer tropical/warm climates.

All snakes are carnivores.

Most snakes experience the fight or flight mode when startled.

The majority of snake species are not venomous but in those that are the venom is normally for catching prey rather than for self-defence.

All snakes shed their skins numerous times.

Most species of snakes will lay eggs.

However, there are some that give birth to live offspring.

Snakes lay their eggs in a warm locations, and most species don’t look after their eggs once laid.

Stimson’s Python