Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is known for its unique wildlife, but also for its dangerous animals. The likelihood of encountering a deadly creature is very low, but there are some safety precautions that locals and tourists should take. These include wearing appropriate footwear when hiking, being cautious when swimming, and staying away from certain areas where dangerous animals are known to live. While Australia has its fair share of dangerous creatures, the stats prove that there is very little to fear, and millions of people enjoy the country's natural wonders safely every year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sharks | Avoid swimming at dusk and dawn, don't swim where people are fishing, and choose a beach that is patrolled by lifeguards. |
| Crocodiles | Found in the tropical north of Australia, in rivers, floodplains, freshwater billabongs, and the ocean. |
| Do not swim, camp, fish, or walk in areas with crocodile hazard signs. | |
| Snakes | Wear thick socks and enclosed footwear while hiking. |
| If you see a snake, back away slowly, then stamp your feet and make noise. | |
| Spiders | Only two types of spiders in Australia are potentially very dangerous: funnel-web and redback spiders. |
| Spiders will only bite if provoked. | |
| Kangaroos | Although rare, some people have been killed by kangaroos. |
| Dingoes | Naturally cautious and sightings are rare. |
| Dingoes can pose a threat to human safety if they are fed. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Avoiding crocodiles
Australia is home to two species of crocodiles: the Saltwater Crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus*), and the Freshwater Crocodile (*Crocodylus johnstoni*). Saltwater crocodiles, also known as "salties", are considered dangerous, and are responsible for 1-2 human deaths per year. Freshwater crocodiles, or "freshies", are not considered dangerous. They are timid unless provoked, and it is rare to see them over 3 metres long.
If you're in an area known to have crocodiles, it's important to be vigilant and cautious. Crocodiles are found in the northern parts of Australia, along the north coast from Broome (WA) to Rockhampton (QLD), and up to 200km inland. They live near water—in rivers, floodplains, freshwater billabongs, and the ocean. They are more common the further north you go, but they are being found further and further south each year due to an increase in numbers.
- Always obey local signs and warnings. If there is a sign indicating that crocodiles are present, do not go into the water.
- Do not swim in areas known for crocodile activity. If you're unsure, ask locals.
- If you're camping near water, do not leave food around and do not put your tent too close to the water. Crocodiles are more aggressive during their breeding season, which is from September to May, so be extra careful during this period.
- If you're fishing, do not empty fish nets close to the water.
- Do not stay near the water for too long. Crocodiles are everywhere during the wet season, so be especially cautious at this time.
- If you're near billabongs, creeks, rivers, the beach, or other swimming holes in the northern part of Australia, be aware that there may be crocodiles nearby.
- If you're in Darwin, you can see crocodiles from the safety of a tour. A day trip to the Adelaide River to see the wild "jumping crocodiles" or a visit to Kakadu National Park can give you a new appreciation for these ancient reptiles without putting yourself at risk.
Australian Wool Industry: Evolution and Adaptations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Snakes and spiders
Snakes
Australia is the only country or region with more venomous snakes than non-venomous species. However, not all venomous snakes in the country can kill humans or even cause severe illness. Snakes are also protected by law in all Australian states and territories. It is illegal to kill them unless they threaten life.
If you encounter a snake, it is best to remain calm and quiet, as this will reduce the speed that venom can move around your body in the rare event that you are bitten. If you are bitten, call emergency services and apply a firm and tight pressure bandage over the bite site as soon as possible. Wrap a bandage firmly around the bitten limb, starting from above the fingers or toes and moving upwards as far as you can reach.
If you find a snake on your property and are concerned for your safety, you can contact licensed services to help remove it. To avoid attracting snakes, it is recommended to cover up with trousers and closed-toe shoes when in the bush or gardening in overgrown places.
Spiders
Australia is home to more than 2,000 spider species, some of which are among the most venomous in the world. However, the majority are not dangerous to humans. All spiders have venom glands, but only some have fangs large enough to puncture the skin and cause a reaction.
The most concerning species in Australia include the funnel-web spider, redback spider, and white-tailed spider. The Sydney funnel-web spider is particularly dangerous and known to have caused 13 fatalities. No deaths have been recorded since an anti-venom was introduced in 1981. The redback spider, found along the east coast of Australia, can also be fatal in rare cases. An anti-venom has been available since 1956, and around 250 cases are treated with it each year.
To avoid spider encounters, you can take preventative measures such as wearing protective clothing, conducting regular inspections, and using insecticides. When encountering a spider, it is recommended to avoid panicking and trying to kill it. Instead, try to identify the species, and if it is dangerous, place it in a sealed container with breathing holes and drop it off at a facility that milks venom, such as the Australian Reptile Park.
Importing Cars: America to Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sharks and jellyfish
Australia is known for its stunning beaches, wildlife, and wide-open landscapes. However, it is also famous for its dangerous wildlife, which can sometimes be found close to human settlements.
Sharks
Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks rarely pose a threat to humans. Most shark species are not interested in humans as prey and will only attack if they feel provoked or mistake humans for their usual prey. The chances of encountering a shark are incredibly low, and they are more likely to avoid humans than seek them out. The largest shark species found in Australian waters is the whale shark, which feeds on tiny plankton and is harmless to humans.
There are several precautions people can take to minimise the already low risk of a shark attack. These include:
- Swimming at beaches patrolled by Surf Life Savers or lifesavers.
- Avoiding swimming, diving, or surfing where dangerous sharks are known to congregate.
- Swimming with other people and avoiding swimming alone offshore or near deep channels.
- Staying away from dirty or turbid water, river mouths, and areas with large schools of fish.
- Not swimming with pets, at dusk or night, or near people fishing or spear fishing.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish are tiny but can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. The box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish are considered some of the most venomous jellyfish in the world. The box jellyfish, with its cube-shaped body and 15 tentacles, can cause cardiac arrest, paralysis, or death within minutes. The Irukandji jellyfish is even smaller, with a main body length of around 1 cm, but its tentacles can reach up to 50 meters. Its sting can also lead to paralysis, cardiac arrest, or death.
To stay safe from jellyfish, it is important to follow local advice and safety signs, especially during jellyfish season. When entering the water, it is recommended to wear a full-body lycra suit, which can provide protection against stings. If stung, it is crucial to pour vinegar over the affected area, remove any tentacles, and seek emergency medical help immediately.
Malaysian Ringgit-Australian Dollar Exchange: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kangaroos and koalas
Kangaroos
Kangaroos are generally calm and docile, and kangaroo attacks are rare. However, they can become aggressive and attack if they feel threatened or cornered, and they have been known to kill dogs. They are also a hazard on the roads, as they may jump in front of vehicles. If you encounter a kangaroo, it is important to keep your distance and not run up to it, as they can move quickly and may simply run away. If a kangaroo is displaying signs of aggression, such as growling, it is recommended to remain calm and still until it moves away. Keeping dogs on a lead is also important, as kangaroos feel threatened by them and will defend themselves.
Koalas
Koalas are typically docile and are not considered dangerous. However, they have strong, razor-sharp claws and can bite hard, so it is not recommended to handle them unless specially trained. Koalas are often found in residential areas and are vulnerable to dangers from cars and dog attacks. They are also at risk of drowning if they fall into pools and are unable to get out. Koalas have few natural predators, but young koalas can fall victim to birds of prey, pythons, and dogs. The main threat to koalas is habitat destruction, as deforestation and fragmentation of forests displace them from their homes and make them more vulnerable to dangers on the ground. Koalas are now considered endangered in parts of Australia.
Australia's Population: Global Ranking
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Domestic animals
In Australia, animals are regarded as property rather than legal entities with rights. This means that in New South Wales (NSW), animals cannot be directly protected under an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) in the same way that human victims can. However, ADVOs can provide some limited protection to animals as 'property'. This indirect protection fails to recognise that animals are sentient beings and can be victims of domestic violence and family violence.
There are laws in place in Australia to promote responsible ownership of domestic animals and improve their welfare. The Domestic Animals Act 1994 provides for the identification and registration of cats and dogs. This Act was amended in 2017 to allow the registration of restricted breed dogs in Victoria, clarify the dangerous dog status of retired guard dogs in residential premises, and increase payments for registered dogs and cats made by Councils to the Treasurer. The Model Code of Practice for Domestic Poultry includes guidelines for slaughtering birds in a way that minimises handling and stress, although pre-slaughter stunning is not mandated.
In addition, each state and territory government in Australia is responsible for enforcing domestic animal welfare legislation, including for animals in captivity. All zoos and wildlife parks must be licensed and meet certain criteria to operate. The Zoo and Aquarium Association also offers an accreditation program that includes auditing. While there is no specific legislation for animals used for fur, the Government of Australia is encouraged to produce detailed federal legislation specifying the conditions under which wild animals may be kept in captivity.
To protect human and animal victims of domestic and family violence, the Honourable Emma Hurst of the NSW Animal Justice Party MLC convened a roundtable in early 2020. This roundtable discussed a range of legal and non-legal issues and potential areas for reform, which are now being considered by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. Recognising the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, these efforts to improve animal protection may also reduce the harm caused by domestic and family violence to humans.
Discovering Aquamarine in Australia: A Gemstone Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Snakes are pretty shy and it is unlikely that people will encounter them. However, if someone sees a snake, they should back away slowly and then make noise by stamping their feet to encourage the snake to move along. There is anti-venom available to treat all dangerous snakes in Australia.
Spiders are mostly nocturnal and feed on insects outside. People in Australia are advised to avoid touching spider webs and leave spiders alone if they see one. There are only two types of spiders in Australia that are potentially very dangerous: the funnel-web and the redback spider. However, no one has died from a bite from one of these in nearly 40 years, and anti-venom is available for both species.
Crocodiles are found in Australia's tropical north, in rivers, the ocean, and swimming holes. People in Australia are advised to never swim in any waterway where crocodile hazard signs are posted or camp, fish, or walk in any area nearby. If there are no signs, it is still best to stay out of the water and head to a patrolled beach instead.
![HTTMT - Snake Bite Kit Camping Emergency Survival First Aid Venom Sting Extractor [Item Number: ET-Extractor001]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WDLKYmAeL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
