Townsville has some of the most dangerous snakes in the world. Happily they are usually fairly timid or don't live anywhere near us.
Top 10 Most Venomous Snakes
Coming in at number 10 is the "Rattlesnake"
Coming at number 10 is Americas one and only Rattle Snake and is a member of the Pit Viper family. They are able to strike a distance equel to 2/3 of their body length. Potentionally fatel if not treated with antivenin, when applied reduces the death rate to 4%.
At number 9 is the "Death Adder"
The "Death Adder" is native to Australia and New
Guinea. These snakes actually hunt other snakes, including some in the top 10, and usually ambush their prey. Death Adders look similar to other vipers, with their triangular heads and short bodies. If untreated Death Adder bites are one of the most lethal in the world. Antivenin is successful in treating Death Adder bites, due largely to the relatively slow progression of the toxin. Prior to antivenin Death Adder bite fatalities were around 50%. At 0.13 of a
second the Death Adder has the quickest strike in the world.
Next is the "Saw Scaled Viper"
at number 8.
Found throughout the world, with the most
venomous being the Saw Scaled Viper as well the Chain Viper, found in
the Middle East, Central Asia, India, China and South
East Asia. Viper snakes are quick tempered and generally roam around at night, and
active most often after rains. Death may occur from 1 to 14 days after the bite from septicemia or cardiac failure.
The "Philippine Cobra" comes in at number 7
The
Philippine Cobra is the exception of all Cobras making this list. These snakes are capable of spitting up
to 3 meters and its venom is the most
deadly of all the Cobra's.
6 is the "Tiger Snake" and the second of the Australian contingent.
The Tiger snake is found in Australia and has a very potent venom. Death can occur within 30 minutes of being bitten, but normally takes from
6-24 hours. Fatality rate
from Tiger snakes was between 60-70% prior to the advent of an antivenin. The Tiger
snake are generally timid however will become aggressive if cornered
"Black Mamba" is next at number 5
The Black Mamba is found and feared throughout much of the African
continent. They can be very aggressive, and strike with
deadly accuracy. Also the fastest land snake in the world and can reach speeds speeds up to 20km/h. These snakes can
strike up to 12 times in a row. One bite is capable of killing 10-25 adults. Prior to antivenin, the death rate was almost 100%. Death can occur within 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Back to Australia at number 4 is the "Coastal Taipan"
Another Australian entry. The venom of the Taipan is strong enough
to kill up to 100 fully grown men. The venom clots the victim’s blood,
blocking arteries or veins. Before the
advent of an antivenin, there are no known survivors of a Taipan bite,
and death occurs within the hour.
There are 2 sub-spesies being the "Inland Taipan"and "Coastal Taipan."Taipans are similar to the African "Black Mamba."
3rd from the top is the "Blue Krait"
The Malayan or Blue Krait are found in South East Asia and Indonesia, 50% of bites
from these are fatal, even with the advent of
antivenin. These snakes hunt and kill other snakes, even eating their own species. A nocturnal breed, and very aggressive at night. They are generally a quite timid and would
attempt to hide than fight. The venom is 16 times
more toxic than a Cobra. Bites from Kraits are rare
due as they tend to be nocturnal. Fatality rate were 85% prior to antvenom even then you are far from guaranteed survival. Death will occur from 6-12 hours of a bite.
2 Eastern Brown Snake
With just 1/14,000 of an
ounce of this venom it will kill an adult male.
Sadly their habitat is also the major population areas of Australia. The are fast moving snakes, and can be very aggressive as well they have been known to chase people. Juveniles can even kill an adult human. Luckily for us,only half of their bites contain venom as they prefer to not bite if possible. They react movement, so stand still if should your encounter one and wait till it leaves.
At number 1 is the "Fierce Snake" or "Inland Taipan."
Although a sub species the "Inland Taipan" has a spot of its own and is the most poisonous of all land snake. One bite is enough to kill up to 100 people. They are10 times more toxic than
the "Mojave" Rattlesnake, and 50 times more than a Cobra.Lucky for us, Inland Taipans arn't overly agressive aggressive and and rarely seen by people. There have been no deaths ever recorded, although potentially could kill an adult in approximately 45
minutes.
Blast off with the Belcher’s Sea Snake, a class of their own.
With just a few milligrams and enough to kill 1000 people! The worlds most venomous snake. Thankfully less than 25% of bites contain any
venom, as well they are docile. Fisherman are often victims
of these snakes, when they encounter them they pull in nets. Found in the waters of Northern
Australia and South East Asia.
Thank you to listverse.com wikipedia and reptilegardens.com for the information.
For all your accommodation in Townsville ask at the reception at Reef Lodge Backpackers Townsville, Queensland Australia. Or, contact us through our website www.reeflodge.com.au Phone 07 47 211 112
