Leslie Massey
Australia is known for its dangerous wildlife, from venomous snakes and spiders to crocodiles and sharks. However, the animal that has killed the most humans in Australia might surprise you. While the country has a reputation for deadly creatures, the reality is that you're more likely to die from a cardiac arrest or a car accident than an animal attack. Between 2000 and 2010, there were 254 reported animal-related deaths in Australia, with cows, horses, and kangaroos being some of the most common causes. So, while Australia's wildlife may be intimidating, the statistics suggest that other factors pose a greater risk to human life.
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What You'll Learn
Kangaroos and roads
Kangaroos are a unique aspect of driving in regional Australia, but they can also make driving on country roads more challenging. Between 2000 and 2010, kangaroos (indirectly) caused the deaths of 18 Australians, mostly related to car accidents. This makes kangaroos the animal that has caused the second-highest number of human deaths in Australia, after cows.
Kangaroos are more active at dawn and dusk when they come out to feed, and they are harder to spot on the road due to reduced visibility. Shorter daylight hours in winter mean more hours for kangaroos to be out and about, and poor winter weather or icy roads can make driving conditions even more challenging. During droughts, kangaroos are on the hunt for decent puddles, grass, or vegetation, and they are more likely to be found near roadside kerbs lined with vegetation that livestock cannot reach.
To stay safe on Australian roads and reduce the risk of a kangaroo-related car accident, it is recommended to avoid driving during dawn and dusk when kangaroos are most active. When driving in kangaroo hotspots, it is important to be mindful and aware of the surroundings and to avoid swerving if a kangaroo jumps in front of the car, as this can cause a rollover. If drivers encounter an injured kangaroo, they should pull over when safe, check on their passengers, turn on hazard lights, and contact the local RSPCA organisation for advice.
By following these safety tips, both humans and kangaroos can safely share the roads and reach their destinations without harm.
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Bees, snakes, and crocodiles
Bees are an important part of Australia's $15 billion horticulture industry, but they can also be deadly. Between 2000 and 2010, bees were responsible for 16 deaths in Australia, the same number as shark-related fatalities. More recently, in 2022, Australia had to destroy millions of bees to contain the spread of the deadly varroa mite, which is fatal to bees and threatened the country's honey industry.
Snakes are another notorious cause of human fatalities in Australia. Between 2000 and 2010, there were 14 reported snake-related deaths in the country. Australia is home to some of the world's most venomous snakes, but wide access to antivenom and adequate medical care has made deaths relatively rare, with only a few fatalities each year.
Crocodiles, specifically saltwater crocodiles, are also a danger in Australia. Between 2000 and 2010, crocodiles were responsible for 9 fatalities in the country, making them the eighth most common cause of animal-related deaths during that period.
While bees, snakes, and crocodiles can be dangerous and even deadly, it's important to keep in mind that the likelihood of encountering these animals and experiencing a fatal encounter is relatively low. Most deaths occur due to indirect causes, such as car accidents or falls, rather than direct attacks from these creatures.
Additionally, Australia's deadly reputation extends beyond just these three creatures. Other animals that have contributed to the 254 reported and confirmed animal-related deaths between 2000 and 2010 include cows, kangaroos, sharks, emus, fish, sheep, goats, camels, cats, jellyfish, spiders, and even venomous critters like the cone snail, blue-ringed octopus, and box jellyfish.
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Mosquitoes and malaria
Mosquitoes are known carriers of many diseases that are dangerous to humans. One of these diseases is malaria, which is caused by a parasite spread by mosquito bites. While Australia was declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1981, several hundred cases of malaria are still recorded each year in Australians who have travelled overseas to regions where malaria is prevalent. The region of northern Australia north of 19°S latitude is considered a receptive zone for malaria transmission.
Malaria is spread to humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito becomes infected with the malaria parasite when it bites an infected person and remains infected for life, capable of infecting other people. Transmission from person to person is extremely rare but can occur via blood transfusion, contaminated needles, syringes, or from infected mothers to their unborn babies. Symptoms of malaria usually start 9 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, though in some cases, the first presentation of the infection may be delayed for weeks or even months.
Falciparum malaria is the most common type of malaria and is particularly dangerous. If not treated quickly, it can cause severe illness and even death. To prevent malaria, travellers are advised to avoid being outdoors at night when Anopheles mosquitoes are most active, especially in rural areas where these mosquitoes are more abundant. The use of mosquito nets while sleeping is also recommended unless the accommodation is air-conditioned or has mosquito screens on doors and windows.
Anti-malarial drugs are also available and can be prescribed by a doctor depending on the traveller's destination, duration of travel, and medical history. These drugs should be taken as recommended, including for the suggested period after leaving a malaria-affected area. Additionally, travellers should be aware of the symptoms of malaria and seek medical advice if they experience any of them within a year of travelling to a malaria-endemic region. While there is currently no vaccine available for malaria, vaccines are under development and show promise in reducing severe cases.
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Horses, cows, and animal transport
While Australia is known for its dangerous animals, from venomous snakes to deadly spiders and even painful plants, cows (including bulls and bovine) were responsible for the most human deaths between 2000 and 2010, with 33 fatalities. This number surpasses the combined death toll of snakes and sharks, two of the country's most feared creatures.
In Australia, animal transport is a well-developed industry, with companies like Jetpets and AeroPets providing specialised services for pets and livestock. These companies ensure the safe and comfortable transport of animals, offering door-to-door services and temperature-controlled fleets. They also provide airline-approved travel crates, custom-built for a range of animal sizes, and even veterinary services to ensure the health and well-being of travelling pets.
For livestock transport, companies like Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) emphasise the importance of preparation to ensure the safe and humane transport of animals. This includes considerations such as feeding calves milk or milk replacer before transport and managing climate and feed changes to prevent weight loss in cattle. The industry is working towards achieving world-class outcomes for livestock welfare by 2028, with a focus on measuring and improving animal welfare during transport.
Horses and cows are also transported for various purposes, including relocation and participation in events. Companies like Jetpets and AeroPets cater to these larger animals, offering custom-built crates and specialised handling. The transport of horses and cows requires careful planning and adherence to regulations to ensure the animals' safety and well-being throughout their journey.
While horses and cows may not be the first animals associated with attacks in Australia, they can pose a danger in certain situations. For example, a bull is believed to have killed a 46-year-old man in 2005, highlighting the potential risk these animals can pose. However, it is important to note that such incidents are rare and may occur under extreme provocation. Overall, cows and horses are not commonly associated with fatal attacks in Australia.
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Spiders, snakes, and antivenom
Spiders in Australia, such as the redback spider, the funnel-web spider, and the mouse spider, can be extremely dangerous. It is believed that thousands of people are bitten by the redback spider each year, and while only about 20% of these bites require treatment, redback spider antivenom is the most commonly used in the country. The funnel-web spider is also a highly venomous species, with its bite capable of killing an adult in under an hour. The Sydney Funnel-web Spider, in particular, was responsible for several deaths before an antivenom programme was initiated in 1981.
Snakes in Australia are also a cause for concern, with the country being home to some of the world's most venomous species. Brown snakes, such as the eastern brown snake and the dugite, are of particular danger and are responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities. Other snakes that inflict venomous bites include the kraits, tiger snakes, and taipans. However, the availability of antivenom has made deaths from snakebites exceedingly rare. Antivenom is the principal therapy for medically significant envenomings, and Australia has taken significant steps to ensure its accessibility.
The process of creating antivenom is a complex and time-consuming task. Venom from spiders and snakes is injected into animals like horses and rabbits, which have stronger immune systems. The animals' blood is then extracted to isolate the supercharged plasma and create the antivenom. CSL Seqirus, a lab in Melbourne, produces around 7,000 vials of antivenom per year, including those for snakes, spiders, stonefish, and box jellyfish. The distribution of these vials is strategically planned, considering the species in each area. Additionally, Australia was the first country to introduce a commercial snake venom detection kit, aiding in the accurate selection of antivenom.
While spiders and snakes in Australia can pose a significant threat, the development and widespread availability of antivenom have drastically reduced the number of fatalities. The country's efforts in creating and distributing antivenom have saved countless lives, making Australia a leader in addressing the dangers posed by its venomous fauna.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the highest number of deaths by animal was 77 people, caused by horses, cows, and other animal transport.
There are only around 1-2 snake-bite deaths in Australia each year. However, the Eastern Brown snake is responsible for around half of these deaths.
Although Australia has the world's most venomous spider, the Sydney Funnel Web, spider deaths are rare. In the last 40 years, there has only been one spider bite-related death.
Sharks and other marine animals have caused 26 deaths in Australia. However, since shark netting began in 1937, the number of shark-related deaths has decreased in New South Wales and Queensland.
Interestingly, kangaroos have indirectly caused the deaths of 18 Australians from 2000-2010, mainly due to car accidents. Additionally, humans are also a significant cause of death in Australia, with 1,600 people killed in traffic accidents annually.
